Orocrambus lewisi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orocrambus lewisi |
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O. lewisi
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| Orocrambus lewisi Gaskin, 1975
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The Orocrambus lewisi is a special kind of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called the Crambidae family. A scientist named David E. Gaskin first described this moth in 1975.
This moth is quite unique because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means you can only find it living naturally in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world! It has been seen on the South Island, Stephens Island, and the very bottom tip of the North Island.
What Does the Orocrambus Lewisi Moth Look Like?
This moth is not very big. Its wingspan, which is the distance from one wingtip to the other, is about 28 to 30 millimeters. That's roughly the length of a small paperclip!
Its front wings are a pretty yellow-brown color. They have a white stripe right down the middle. This white stripe is outlined with a darker brown color, making it stand out. The back wings of the moth are a shiny brownish-white.
When Can You See This Moth?
Adult Orocrambus lewisi moths are usually active during the warmer months. You can spot them flying around from October all the way through March.
What Does the Orocrambus Lewisi Moth Eat?
When these moths are young, they are called larvae (like caterpillars). These larvae have a very specific diet. They love to munch on a type of grass called Poa caespitosa. This grass is their main food source as they grow.
