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Orocrambus enchophorus facts for kids

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Orocrambus enchophorus
Orocrambus enchophorus male3.jpg
Male
Scientific classification
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O. enchophorus
Binomial name
Orocrambus enchophorus
(Meyrick, 1885)
Synonyms
  • Crambus enchophorus Meyrick, 1885
  • Crambus pedias Meyrick, 1885
  • Crambus scitulus Philpott, 1926
  • Crambus encophorus Bleszynski & Collins, 1962

The Orocrambus enchophorus is a type of moth that belongs to the Crambidae family. It was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1885. This special moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. You can find it on both the South Island and the North Island. It likes to live in grassy areas, from lowlands all the way up to high mountain grasslands.

Meet the Orocrambus Moth!

The Orocrambus enchophorus is a fascinating insect. It is a kind of moth, which is a lot like a butterfly. Moths are part of a big group of insects called Lepidoptera. This group also includes butterflies.

Who Discovered This Moth?

This particular moth was first identified and named by a scientist. His name was Edward Meyrick. He described the moth in the year 1885. Scientists give unique names to every living thing. This helps everyone know exactly which creature they are talking about.

Where Does This Moth Live?

The Orocrambus enchophorus moth is special because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means it naturally lives only in New Zealand. You won't find it living in the wild anywhere else in the world! It has been seen on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This moth prefers to live in different types of grasslands. You can find it in grassy areas near the coast or high up in the mountains.

What Does the Orocrambus Moth Look Like?

This moth is fairly small. Its wingspan is about 24 to 40 millimeters. That's roughly the length of two to four small paper clips. The wingspan is the distance from one wingtip to the other when the wings are spread out. Adult moths are usually seen flying around during the warmer months. They are active from November to February.

What Do Young Moths Eat?

Like many insects, the Orocrambus enchophorus moth starts its life as a larva. Larvae are like tiny caterpillars. These young moths need to eat a lot to grow. They feed on different types of grass. Some of their favorite foods include Poa annua, Poa caespitosa, Agrostis tenuis, Bromus catharticus, and Festuca arundinacea. These are all common types of grasses found in their habitat.

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