Pyrgotis consentiens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pyrgotis consentiens |
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P. consentiens
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| Pyrgotis consentiens Philpott, 1916
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The Pyrgotis consentiens is a special type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called the Tortricidae family. This moth is quite unique because it is found only in New Zealand. When a plant or animal lives in just one place in the world, we say it is endemic to that area.
Discovering the Pyrgotis Moth
Scientists first officially described this moth in 1916. A person named Alfred Philpott was the one who gave it its scientific name.
When a new species is found, scientists keep a special example of it. This example is called a holotype specimen. It helps other scientists compare and identify the species later. The holotype for Pyrgotis consentiens is kept safe at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC). This collection is like a big library for insects and other small creatures.
Where Does This Moth Live?
Since the Pyrgotis consentiens moth is endemic to New Zealand, you will only find it there. Scientists have found these moths in a few specific places. They have been seen on Stewart Island, which is south of New Zealand's main islands. They have also been found in the Hunter Mountains. These locations are part of the moth's natural habitat.
What Does the Pyrgotis Moth Look Like?
This moth is not very big. Its wingspan, which is the distance from one wingtip to the other when the wings are spread out, is usually between 12 and 15 millimeters. That's about half an inch!
The front wings of the Pyrgotis consentiens moth are a pretty purplish-red color. The back wings are a darker, brownish-gray color, which scientists call "fuscous." These colors help the moth blend in with its surroundings.
