Planotortrix octo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Planotortrix octo |
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Male, dorsal view | |
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Male, ventral view | |
Scientific classification | |
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Cossina
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Planotortrix
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P. octo
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Planotortrix octo Dugdale, 1990
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The Planotortrix octo is a fascinating type of moth that belongs to a family called Tortricidae. These moths are special because they are found only in one place in the world: New Zealand! You can spot them on both the North Island and the South Island.
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Meet the Planotortrix Octo Moth
The Planotortrix octo moth is a small insect with wings, just like butterflies. It's part of the huge group of animals called Arthropods, which also includes spiders and crabs. Moths are known for their fuzzy bodies and often fly around at night.
Where Does This Moth Live?
This particular moth is what we call endemic to New Zealand. This means it naturally lives there and nowhere else on Earth. Imagine having a creature that only calls your country home! It can be found across both the North and South Islands, making it a true New Zealand native.
What Do Planotortrix Octo Caterpillars Eat?
Before a moth becomes an adult, it starts its life as a larva, which is often called a caterpillar. The caterpillars of the Planotortrix octo moth are quite picky eaters! They munch on many different types of plants. Some of their favorite snacks include:
- Ribes (like currants and gooseberries)
- Chaenomeles (flowering quince)
- Cotoneaster
- Crataegus
- Cydonia
- Eriobotrya (loquat)
- Fragaria (strawberries!)
- Kerria
- Malus (apples)
- Photinia
- Prunus (cherries, plums, peaches)
- Pyracantha
- Rosa (roses)
- Rhaphiolepis
- Rubus (raspberries, blackberries)
- Boronia
- Choysia
- Citrus (oranges, lemons)
- Phebalium
Why Is It Called a 'Pest'?
Because these caterpillars eat so many different kinds of plants, especially ones that people grow in gardens or on farms, the Planotortrix octo is sometimes considered a pest species. This means it can cause damage to crops or ornamental plants. Farmers and gardeners might not be too happy when these hungry caterpillars show up!