Orocrambus jansoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orocrambus jansoni |
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Orocrambus
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| Species: |
jansoni
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The Orocrambus jansoni is a special type of moth that belongs to the Crambidae family. This moth is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. Because it's quite rare, the Department of Conservation has listed it as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon."
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Discovering the Orocrambus jansoni
This interesting moth was first described by a scientist named David Edward Gaskin in 1975. He found the first specimen (a sample used for scientific study) in a place called Waiouru. The original specimen, known as the holotype, is now kept safely at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. Scientists use these specimens to learn more about different species.
What the Orocrambus jansoni looks like
The Orocrambus jansoni moth is quite small. Males have a wingspan of about 18 to 22 millimeters, which is less than an inch. Females are a bit larger, with a wingspan of about 22 millimeters.
Their antennae are dark brown. Males have antennae that look a bit like tiny saws, while females have thinner, thread-like antennae.
The moth's body and wings are mostly yellowish to silvery white. They have brown stripes on their front wings, especially along the top edge. The back wings are dark brown with lighter brown edges. Female moths look very similar to males, but their markings are much paler, and the edges of all their wings are white.
Where the Orocrambus jansoni lives
This moth is only found in New Zealand. It has been seen in the central part of the North Island, which is one of New Zealand's main islands. Specifically, it lives in areas to the east of Mount Ruapehu.
Life and habits of the Orocrambus jansoni
O. jansoni moths are active during the day, which is a bit unusual for moths, as many are active at night. Adult moths can be seen flying from December to February.
Scientists have noticed that female moths are not as keen on flying as the males. Researchers have used special lights, like ultra-violet and mercury vapour lamps, to attract and study these moths. They have also caught them by netting or sweeping through tall grasses where the moths might live.
Food and home for the Orocrambus jansoni
Scientists are still trying to confirm what plants the O. jansoni moth caterpillars eat. However, they believe it might be a plant called Rytidosperma pulchrum. This idea comes from finding female moths near the base of this plant.
The O. jansoni moth likes to live in open grasslands. They have been found along roadsides near the Desert Road north of Waiouru. They also live in an area called the Rangitaiki Frost Flats. It's also likely that they live on land used by the New Zealand Defence Force around Waiouru, as these areas often have the open grassland habitat the moths prefer.
Protecting the Orocrambus jansoni
The Orocrambus jansoni moth is listed as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means that while it might not be in immediate danger of disappearing, it is naturally rare and needs protection to make sure its population stays healthy.
