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Pyrgotis zygiana facts for kids

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Pyrgotis zygiana
Scientific classification
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P. zygiana
Binomial name
Pyrgotis zygiana
Meyrick, 1882

The Pyrgotis zygiana is a small type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Tortricidae. This moth is special because it is found only in New Zealand. When an animal or plant is found only in one place, we say it is endemic to that area.

All About the Pyrgotis Zygiana Moth

Where This Moth Lives

The Pyrgotis zygiana moth was first officially described in 1882. A scientist named Edward Meyrick studied a moth he found in a place called Canterbury in New Zealand. Since then, this moth has also been seen in another New Zealand location called Titirangi.

What the Moth Looks Like

This moth is quite small. When its wings are spread out, they measure about 14 millimeters across. That's a little more than half an inch.

The front wings of the Pyrgotis zygiana moth are a mix of dark reddish-brown and dark grayish-brown colors. They also have fine, lead-gray streaks, which means they have thin lines that look like lead. The back wings of the moth are a simple gray color.

What the Moth Eats

The young moths, which are called larvae, have a very specific diet. They only eat one type of plant! These larvae feed exclusively on the Prumnopitys taxifolia tree. This means you won't find them eating any other kind of plant.

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