Orocrambus fugitivellus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orocrambus fugitivellus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Male | |
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Critical (NZ TCS) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
O. fugitivellus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Orocrambus fugitivellus (Hudson, 1950)
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Orocrambus fugitivellus is a small moth that belongs to the Crambidae family. This special moth lives only in New Zealand. It is considered "critically endangered" by the Department of Conservation. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
Discovering the Orocrambus fugitivellus Moth
This moth was first found and described by a scientist named George Hudson. He wrote about it in 1950. The moth he studied was collected in 1939 near the Grays River. This area is in a place called the Mackenzie country.
When Hudson first described it, he named it Crambus fugitivellus. Later, in 1975, another scientist named David Edward Gaskin moved it to a different group. He placed it in the Orocrambus genus, which is why its name changed to Orocrambus fugitivellus. The original moth specimen that Hudson used is kept safe at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
What the Orocrambus fugitivellus Moth Looks Like
Scientists have not yet described what the young moths, called larvae, look like. We only know about the adult moths.
The male adult moths have a wingspan of about 18 to 19 millimeters. This is roughly the size of a small coin. The male O. fugitivellus looks a lot like another moth called O. aethonellus. However, you can tell them apart by looking at their front wings. The front wings of O. fugitivellus taper, or get narrower, more sharply. Also, the outer edge of its wing, called the termen, is very slanted.
The female moths of this species are quite special. They are "brachypterous." This means their wings are very short or not fully developed. Because of this, the female moths cannot fly.
Where the Orocrambus fugitivellus Moth Lives
The O. fugitivellus moth is found only in New Zealand. This makes it an endemic species. So far, it has only been seen in one specific place. This place is the Grays River wetlands, which is part of the Mackenzie Basin.
Adult male moths have been seen flying around in February. They are active during the day, which is unusual for many moths.
What the Orocrambus fugitivellus Moth Eats
Even though this moth lives in areas with shrubs and grasses, scientists still don't know what its host plants are. Host plants are the specific plants that a moth's larvae eat. Finding these plants is very important for understanding how to protect the moth.
Protecting the Orocrambus fugitivellus Moth
This moth has a "Nationally Critical" conservation status. This is the highest level of threat in the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It means the moth is in great danger of becoming extinct.
To help save this species, experts have suggested protecting the Grays River wetlands. This is the only known place where O. fugitivellus lives. Protecting its home is a key step to ensuring this unique New Zealand moth can survive.
