List of moths of Australia (Plutellidae) facts for kids
This article is about a special group of tiny moths found in Australia. These moths belong to a family called Plutellidae. This list helps us learn about the different kinds of Plutellidae moths that live down under. It's also part of a bigger list of all the moths in Australia.
Contents
What are Plutellidae Moths?
Plutellidae moths are usually quite small. They are often called "diamondback moths" because some of them have a diamond shape on their backs when their wings are folded. These moths are part of a huge group of insects. They are known for their delicate wings and often blend in with their surroundings.
Where do Plutellidae Moths Live?
These moths can be found in many different places across Australia. They live in various habitats, from gardens to forests. Their homes depend on the types of plants they like to eat. Australia has many unique plants, which means many unique moths too!
What do Plutellidae Moths Eat?
Most Plutellidae moths, especially their caterpillars, eat plants. They often feed on leaves. Some species might prefer specific types of plants. For example, some are known to eat plants from the cabbage family. This can sometimes make them a pest for farmers.
Life Cycle of a Plutellidae Moth
Like all moths, Plutellidae moths go through a full metamorphosis. This means they change a lot during their lives.
- First, the moth lays tiny eggs.
- These eggs hatch into small caterpillars. The caterpillars are the "larva" stage. They spend their time eating and growing.
- After growing enough, the caterpillar forms a pupa. This is like a resting stage. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar changes into an adult moth.
- Finally, the adult moth comes out of the pupa. The adult moths then mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle again.
List of Australian Plutellidae Moths
Here is a list of the different kinds of Plutellidae moths found in Australia:
- Chrysorthenches callibrya (Turner, 1923)
- Chrysorthenches lagarostrobi Dugdale, 1996
- Chrysorthenches microstrobi Dugdale, 1996
- Diathryptica proterva Meyrick, 1907
- Diathryptica theticopis Turner, 1923)
- Leuroperna sera (Meyrick, 1885)
- Mychonoa mesozona Meyrick, 1893
- Orthenches epiphricta Meyrick, 1907
- Orthenches liparochroa Turner, 1923
- Orthenches pleurosticta Turner, 1923
- Phalangitis crymorrhoa Meyrick, 1907
- Phalangitis pellochroa Turner, 1913
- Phalangitis triaria Meyrick, 1907
- Phalangitis tumultuosa Meyrick, 1907
- Phalangitis veterana Meyrick, 1907
- Plutella australiana Landry & Hebert, 2013
- Plutella psammochroa Meyrick, 1885
- Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Tonza purella Walker, 1864
- Tritymba acrospila (Turner, 1927)
- Tritymba aulophora (Meyrick, 1918)
- Tritymba dasybathra Lower, 1894
- Tritymba dianipha (Turner, 1926)
- Tritymba diatoma (Turner, 1923)
- Tritymba ochrocera (Turner, 1923)
- Tritymba pamphaea (Turner, 1923)
- Tritymba stichogramma (Turner, 1923)
- Tritymba xanthocoma Lower, 1894
