List of moths of Great Britain (Ctenuchidae) facts for kids
The Ctenuchidae (pronounced "ten-OO-kih-day") are a large family of moths. There are about 3,000 known species in this family! Most of these moths live in warm, tropical places around the world. While many Ctenuchidae moths are found in far-off lands, a few species have made their way to Great Britain. Some arrived on their own, like natural travelers, while others were accidentally brought in with food, especially bananas!
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What are Ctenuchidae Moths?
Ctenuchidae moths are part of a big group of insects called Lepidoptera, which includes both moths and butterflies. They are known for often having bright colors, sometimes even looking like wasps or bees! This clever trick helps them avoid predators who might think they are dangerous.
Moths Visiting Great Britain
Even though most Ctenuchidae moths prefer warmer climates, a few species have been spotted in Great Britain. These moths are either rare visitors who flew there on their own or accidental "stowaways" who traveled with imported goods.
Natural Travelers
Some moths are amazing long-distance flyers! They can travel across seas and countries. These are called immigrants when they arrive in a new place.
Syntominae Subfamily
- Syntomis phegea, also known as the Nine-spotted moth, is a beautiful moth with dark wings and bright spots. It's thought to be a very rare immigrant to Great Britain, meaning it probably flew there on its own.
- Dysauxes ancilla, called the Handmaid moth, is another possible rare immigrant. There's an old record of it being seen, suggesting it might have flown from Central or Eastern Europe.
Accidental Arrivals
Sometimes, moths travel without even knowing it! They can hide in shipments of fruit or other products coming from tropical countries. These moths are called "imports" because they were brought in by accident.
Euchromiinae Subfamily
- Euchromia lethe, known as the Basker moth, has been found in Great Britain. It likely arrived hidden in shipments of bananas from the West Indies.
- Antichloris viridis is another moth that traveled with West Indian bananas.
- Antichloris caca, nicknamed the Docker moth, was imported from South America.
- Antichloris eriphia, also called the Banana Stowaway, also came from South America, likely in banana shipments.
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