Pyrgotis arcuata facts for kids

Pyrgotis arcuata is a small, interesting moth that belongs to a group called Tortricidae. This special moth can only be found in New Zealand. It's a unique part of New Zealand's amazing wildlife!

Discovering the Pyrgotis arcuata Moth

This moth was first described in 1915 by a scientist named Alfred Philpott. Scientists give each living thing a special two-part name, like Pyrgotis arcuata, so everyone around the world knows exactly which creature they are talking about.

What Does This Moth Look Like?

This moth is quite small. Its wingspan (how wide it is when its wings are spread out) is about 15 to 16 millimeters. That's roughly the length of your fingernail!

Its front wings are mostly whitish. They have hints of pale yellow-brown and some reddish-yellow-brown stripes. These stripes become darker, almost black, along the edges of the wings. The back wings are a light gray color. They might have some pale brownish spots or areas.

Where Does This Moth Live?

The Pyrgotis arcuata moth is endemic to New Zealand. This means it naturally lives only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world! It's a truly special native insect.

Life Cycle and What Its Babies Eat

Like all moths, Pyrgotis arcuata starts its life as a tiny egg. The egg hatches into a larva, which is like a caterpillar. These larvae are very hungry! They feed on a specific type of tree called Dacrycarpus dacrydioides. This tree is also known as kahikatea, which is a tall native New Zealand tree. The larvae munch on the leaves of this tree to grow big and strong.

After eating enough, the larva will turn into a pupa. This is a resting stage where it changes into an adult moth. Finally, the adult moth emerges, ready to fly and lay its own eggs, starting the amazing life cycle all over again!