Orocrambus apicellus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orocrambus apicellus |
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O. apicellus
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| Orocrambus apicellus (Zeller, 1863)
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The Orocrambus apicellus is a small, interesting moth that belongs to the Crambidae family. It was first officially described by a scientist named Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1863. This special moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic to that country.
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Meet the Orocrambus apicellus Moth
This moth is a unique part of New Zealand's wildlife. It's one of many fascinating insects that call the islands home. Moths are often mistaken for butterflies, but they have some key differences, like usually flying at night and having different antennae.
Where Does This Moth Live?
The Orocrambus apicellus moth can be found across many parts of New Zealand. It lives on both the North Island and the South Island. You can also find it on smaller islands like Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and the Auckland Islands.
These moths prefer to live in specific places. Their favorite homes are swampy areas and wet pastures. These are places where the ground is often damp or muddy, and there's plenty of grass and other plants.
What Does the Orocrambus apicellus Moth Look Like?
The Orocrambus apicellus moth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan is usually between 22 and 26 millimeters wide. That's about the length of two small paperclips placed end to end!
Life Cycle of the Moth
Adult Orocrambus apicellus moths are active for several months of the year. You can usually see them flying from October all the way through April. During this time, they have two different generations of moths. This means they complete their life cycle from egg to adult twice within that period.
What Do the Larvae Eat?
Like many moths, the Orocrambus apicellus starts its life as a larva, which is like a caterpillar. These larvae need specific plants to eat to grow big and strong. They mainly feed on plants called Juncus polyanthemos and Juncus bufonius. Scientists also think they might eat some types of Carex species. These plants are often found in the wet, swampy areas where the moths live.
