Marbled snouter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marbled snouter |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Phylum: | |
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Copromorphidae
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| Genus: |
Isonomeutis
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| Species: |
I. restincta
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| Binomial name | |
| Isonomeutis restincta Meyrick, 1923
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The Isonomeutis restincta, also known as the marbled snouter, is a type of moth that belongs to the family Copromorphidae. This special moth lives only in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand has listed it as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon." This means it's not found in many places and needs some protection.
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About the Marbled Snouter
This moth was first described in 1923 by a scientist named Edward Meyrick. He studied a specimen collected by George Vernon Hudson near Kaeo, which is north of Auckland. George Hudson also wrote about and drew this moth in his books about New Zealand's butterflies and moths. The original specimen, called the holotype, is kept at the Natural History Museum, London.
What Does It Look Like?
The marbled snouter moth is quite small, usually about 12 millimeters (less than half an inch) long. Its body is mostly brownish with darker spots and markings, giving it a "marbled" look. The front wings are long and narrow, with a rounded tip. The hindwings are a pale brownish color, sometimes with darker speckles.
Where It Lives
The I. restincta moth is endemic to New Zealand, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world. You can find it in areas like Northland, Auckland, and the Taupo districts. It also lives in the Pureora Forest. In 1939, it was also seen in Wiltons bush in Wellington.
Life of the Marbled Snouter
Scientists don't know much about the full life cycle of this moth yet. We do know that adult moths have been seen flying around in November, December, and January.
What Does It Eat?
The specific plants or food sources that the young moths (larvae) eat are not known. However, some scientists think that, like a related moth called Isonomeutis amauropa, it might eat scale insects. Scale insects are tiny bugs that feed on plants.
Protecting the Marbled Snouter
Because it's not found in many places, the I. restincta moth is listed as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This classification helps people know which species need attention to make sure they survive and thrive in their natural homes.
Images for kids
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Illustration of female I. restincta by George Hudson.
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