Orocrambus cyclopicus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orocrambus cyclopicus |
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O. cyclopicus
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| Orocrambus cyclopicus (Meyrick, 1883)
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The Orocrambus cyclopicus is a type of moth that belongs to the family Crambidae. A scientist named Edward Meyrick first described this moth in 1883.
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Where Does This Moth Live?
This special moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. You can find it in the eastern part of the South Island. It also lives in the southern areas of the North Island.
Its Home: Grasslands
The Orocrambus cyclopicus moth likes to live in grassland areas. These can be low-lying grasslands near the coast. They also live in higher, alpine grasslands in the mountains.
What Does the Orocrambus Cyclopicus Look Like?
This moth is fairly small. Its wingspan, which is the distance from one wingtip to the other, is usually between 22 and 30 millimeters. That's about the length of a large coin!
When Can You See Them?
Adult Orocrambus cyclopicus moths are active during certain times of the year. You can often see them flying around from January to May.
What Do Orocrambus Cyclopicus Larvae Eat?
Like many moths, the Orocrambus cyclopicus starts its life as a larva, or caterpillar. These larvae need to eat a lot to grow. They feed on specific types of grasses.
Favorite Foods
The larvae of this moth enjoy eating two particular kinds of grass. These are Bromus hordeaceus, which is also known as soft brome. They also eat Arrhenatherum elatius, often called false oat-grass.
