Rose underwing owlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rose underwing owlet |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Female specimen | |
 |
|
| Male specimen | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Meterana
|
| Species: |
M. meyricci
|
| Binomial name | |
| Meterana meyricci (Hampson, 1911)
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Meterana meyricci is a special type of moth that belongs to the Noctuidae family. This family is also known as the "owlet moths." This moth is quite unique because it is only found in one place: New Zealand. It lives mainly in the area called Otago.
Contents
Discovering the Meterana meyricci Moth
Who Named This Moth?
The Meterana meyricci moth was first described and given its scientific name in 1911. A scientist named George Hampson was the one who officially named it. When he first described it, he called it Miselia meyricci. Later, its name was updated to Meterana meyricci.
Where Does This Moth Live?
This moth is an endemic species. This means it naturally lives only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. Scientists have found this moth in and around the Otago region of New Zealand. This makes it a very special part of New Zealand's wildlife.
Life Cycle of the Meterana meyricci Moth
What Do Young Moths Eat?
Like many moths, the Meterana meyricci starts its life as a larva, which is like a caterpillar. These larvae have a specific diet. They love to eat plants from the Pimelea group. One of their favorite meals is a plant called Pimelea poppelwellii. This plant is very important for the young moths to grow big and strong.
When Can You See Adult Moths?
Once the larvae grow up and change into adult moths, they start flying around. You are most likely to see the adult Meterana meyricci moths during the warmer months. They are usually active and flying between January and March. This is when they look for mates and lay eggs to start the next generation.
