Pyrgotis eudorana facts for kids

The Pyrgotis eudorana is a special type of moth. It belongs to a family of moths called Tortricidae. This moth is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. You won't find it living naturally anywhere else in the world!

About the Pyrgotis Eudorana Moth

This small moth was first described in 1885 by a scientist named Edward Meyrick. It is an important part of New Zealand's unique wildlife.

What Does the Pyrgotis Eudorana Look Like?

The Pyrgotis eudorana moth has a wingspan of about 20 millimeters (which is about the size of a small coin). Its front wings are a pretty purplish-yellow color. They also have fine, streaky lines that are greyish-purple.

The back wings of the moth are a light yellowish-white. They become more yellow towards the tips. You might also see some pale grey spots near the inner edge of these wings.

What Does the Pyrgotis Eudorana Eat?

The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, are very picky eaters! They only eat one specific plant. This plant is called Muehlenbeckia australis. It's a large vine that grows in New Zealand.

This means the Muehlenbeckia australis plant is super important for the survival of the Pyrgotis eudorana moth. Without this plant, the larvae would have nothing to eat and could not grow into adult moths.

Images for kids

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  Illustration by George Hudson.

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  The plant that the moth larvae eat, Muehlenbeckia australis.