Orocrambus sophronellus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orocrambus sophronellus |
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O. sophronellus
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| Orocrambus sophronellus (Meyrick, 1885)
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The Orocrambus sophronellus is a type of moth that belongs to the Crambidae family. This special moth can only be found in New Zealand. It is considered a "Data Deficient" species by the Department of Conservation. This means scientists don't have enough information to know how many of them are left or if they are in danger.
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Discovering This Moth
This moth was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1885. He studied a moth specimen given to him by Richard William Fereday. Meyrick first named the moth Crambus sophronellus.
Later, in 1975, another scientist, David E. Gaskin, moved the moth to the genus Orocrambus. This is how it got its current scientific name, Orocrambus sophronellus. The original moth specimen used to describe the species is kept at the Natural History Museum, London.
What Does It Look Like?
The Orocrambus sophronellus moth is about 19 millimeters (less than an inch) long. Its head and body are a mix of yellowish-white and greyish-brown colors. It has long, whitish feelers (palpi) near its mouth.
Its front wings are long and somewhat rectangular. They are greyish-brown with many tiny white and a few black scales. The back wings are a lighter grey-brown.
Where Does It Live?
This moth is endemic to New Zealand, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world. It has been seen in areas like Taparewa near Nelson, the Mackenzie Basin, and Central Otago. It might also live in the Canterbury Region.
Life Cycle and Behavior
Adult O. sophronellus moths have been seen flying around in March. Like many moths, they are attracted to light. This helps scientists study them.
Its Home and Food
This moth is believed to live in short tussock grasslands. These are areas with clumps of grass. The O. sophronellus moth is linked to a plant called Carex muelleri. This plant might be important for the moth's survival, possibly as a food source for its caterpillars.
Conservation Status
The Orocrambus sophronellus moth is listed as "Data Deficient" by the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means scientists need more research to understand its population and how to protect it.
