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Orocrambus paraxenus facts for kids

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Orocrambus paraxenus
Orocrambus paraxenus male.jpg
Male
Scientific classification
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O. paraxenus
Binomial name
Orocrambus paraxenus
(Meyrick, 1885)
Synonyms
  • Crambus paraxenus Meyrick, 1885

The Orocrambus paraxenus is a special kind of moth that belongs to the Crambidae family. A scientist named Edward Meyrick first described it in 1885. This moth is 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 mostly lives in the South Island of New Zealand.

Discovering the Orocrambus paraxenus Moth

This fascinating moth is a small but important part of New Zealand's wildlife. It's known for its specific habitat and its subtle appearance.

Where Does This Moth Live?

The Orocrambus paraxenus moth loves to live in dry areas. Its favorite home is in tussock grasslands. Tussock grasslands are areas covered in clumps of grass. These dry, grassy places provide the perfect environment for these moths to thrive. You can find them mostly in the South Island of New Zealand.

What Does the Orocrambus paraxenus Moth Look Like?

This moth has a wingspan of about 30 to 33 millimeters. The wingspan is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other when the wings are spread out. To give you an idea, 30 to 33 millimeters is roughly the length of a small paperclip.

When Can You See This Moth?

Adult Orocrambus paraxenus moths are usually seen flying during the warmer months. They have been recorded on the wing from December to February. This period is summer in New Zealand. So, if you are visiting New Zealand during these months, you might be lucky enough to spot one of these unique moths!

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