Sabatinca barbarica facts for kids

The Sabatinca barbarica is a tiny moth that lives only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of moths called Micropterigidae. A scientist named Alfred Philpott first described this moth in 1918. However, in 2014, another scientist, George W. Gibbs, suggested that Sabatinca barbarica is actually the same species as Sabatinca caustica, which was described earlier in 1912.

What the Moth Looks Like

This moth is quite small, with its wings stretching about 10 to 11 millimeters wide. Its head and the front part of its body are a bright yellowish-brown color. The antennae, which are like feelers, are also light yellowish-brown, but their tips are black. The back part of the moth's body is a dark grayish-brown.

The moth's legs are yellowish-brown, and its feet have black rings on them. Its front wings are pale yellowish-brown and shaped like a spear. They often have shiny, coppery-colored patches. Sometimes, these patches form spots or lines. There might also be dark or black spots on the wings, especially near the edges or in the middle. The tiny hairs along the edge of the wings are also pale yellowish-brown.

About Its Name

Today, scientists believe that Sabatinca barbarica is the same species as Sabatinca caustica. This means that Sabatinca barbarica is now considered a "synonym" for Sabatinca caustica.

Where It Lives and What It Does

Adult Sabatinca barbarica moths have been found in forests. They like to stay among the low plants and grasses. These moths are usually seen flying around in December and January, which is during the summer months in New Zealand.

Images for kids

• 

  Sabatinca caustica as illustrated by George Hudson

• 

  Takitimu Mountains, collection location of S. caustica