Proteuxoa tetronycha facts for kids

The Proteuxoa tetronycha is a type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called the Noctuidae family. This moth was first officially described by a scientist named Robert J. B. Hoare in 2017.

This special moth is found only in New Zealand. When an animal or plant is found only in one specific place, it is called endemic.

About the Proteuxoa tetronycha Moth

The P. tetronycha moth looks a lot like another moth called Proteuxoa comma. However, there are a few ways to tell them apart.

What Does It Look Like?

The P. tetronycha moth has a paler, or lighter, color on its prothorax. The prothorax is the part of an insect's body right behind its head. Its front wings, also called forewings, have a browner color at their base. These small differences help scientists tell the two moth species apart.

Where Does It Live?

This moth is quite common in a place called the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. Like many moths, the P. tetronycha is often seen near lights at night. This means it is "attracted to light."

Images for kids

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  Proteuxoa tetronycha, observation confirmed by Robert Hoare.

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  Poa cita, a type of grass used to raise P. tetronycha larvae.