Meterana pictula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meterana pictula |
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Meterana
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M. pictula
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| Meterana pictula (Taylor, 1855)
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The Meterana pictula is a type of moth that belongs to the Noctuidae family. This moth is special because it is only found in New Zealand. Sadly, the Department of Conservation has said that this species is "At Risk" and its numbers are "Declining."
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About the Name
This moth was first described in 1855 in a book called Te Ika a Maui: or, New Zealand and its inhabitants by Richard Taylor. The name Dianthoecia pictula was written under a picture of the moth. For a long time, people thought Adam White was the one who named it because he drew the picture. However, since Taylor didn't mention White, Taylor is now given credit for naming the species. Later, in 1887, another scientist named Edward Meyrick thought he had found a new moth and called it Mamestra rhodopleura.
What it Looks Like
The young moths, called larvae (or caterpillars), are about 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) long. They are very colorful, with a bright green body and lines of red, yellow, and white.
Adult Meterana pictula moths are described as:
Their wings spread out to about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The front wings are dark grayish-green with many yellow and black marks. Special markings and lines are clearly seen as chains of bright yellow and black spots. The back wings are dark gray, and the tiny hairs along their edges are also gray with small yellow dots. The sides of the moth's body are bright crimson (a deep red).
Unlike a similar moth found in the South Island, M. meyricci, these adult moths do not have noticeable white kidney-shaped markings.
Where it Lives
This moth is found only in New Zealand. It has been seen in places like Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Taupo, Wellington, Nelson, and Fiordland.
Life Cycle and Behaviour
The moth's pupa, which is the stage before it becomes an adult, lives in a cocoon hidden underground. These moths usually come out in the summer. Adult moths can be seen flying in January, and sometimes as late as June. They are known to be attracted to sugary foods.
Food and Home
This moth is active at night. Its main food source is native New Zealand plants from the Pimelea family, especially the low-growing and bushy kinds. Meterana pictula likes to live in open areas near the coast or in the mountains. In the North Island, you can find it in shrubby areas near the coast, in the mountains, and high up in alpine regions. However, in the South Island, it is only found in coastal shrub-lands.
How it is Protected
The Meterana pictula is listed as "At Risk" and "Declining" by the Department of Conservation's threat classification system. This means its population is decreasing, and it needs help to survive.
