Nymphostola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nymphostola |
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| Nymphostola galactina on a kōwhai shoot | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Oecophoridae
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| Genus: |
Nymphostola
Meyrick, 1883
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| Species: |
N. galactina
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| Binomial name | |
| Nymphostola galactina (C. Felder, R. Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
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The Nymphostola is a type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Oecophoridae or Depressariidae. This group has only one known species, which is called Nymphostola galactina. This moth is also known as the tarata flat moth.
The Nymphostola group was first named by Edward Meyrick in 1883. The tarata flat moth itself was described by three scientists: Cajetan Felder, Rudolf Felder, and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1875. This special moth lives only in New Zealand. This means it is endemic to that country.
What Does the Tarata Flat Moth Look Like?
Both male and female tarata flat moths are similar in size. Their wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other) is about 23 to 26 millimeters. That's a little less than an inch.
The moth's head, mouthparts (called palpi), antennae, and body parts are all snow white. This includes its chest (thorax), belly (abdomen), and legs.
Wings and Markings
The front wings of the tarata flat moth are wide. The top edge of the wing (called the costa) curves strongly. The tip of the wing is rounded, and the back edge is straight. These wings are white, but they can have a slight green or emerald tint between the veins.
Tiny dark grey dots mark the veins at regular spaces. There is also a clearer dark grey dot in the middle of the wing. A very thin, faint dark grey line runs along the back edge of the wing. The fringes of hair-like scales on the wing edges (cilia) are white. The back wings and their cilia are also white. This moth is known for being very delicate and easy to spot because of its distinct look.
