Sabatinca caustica facts for kids

Sabatinca caustica is a tiny moth that belongs to the family Micropterigidae. These moths are special because they are endemic to New Zealand, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world! A scientist named Edward Meyrick first described this species in 1912.

About the Sabatinca Caustica Moth

This small moth is part of a very old group of moths. They are sometimes called "jawed moths" because they have special mouthparts. Unlike most moths and butterflies that sip nectar, these moths can actually chew pollen.

What the Moth Looks Like

Sabatinca caustica is a small moth. Its wingspan is usually about 9 to 10 millimeters wide. That's less than half an inch!

Its head and the part of its body where its wings attach (called the thorax) are often a mix of bronzy-orange and yellowish colors. Sometimes, the thorax might have whitish spots. The moth's antennae are yellowish, turning darker towards their tips. Its belly (abdomen) is a dark purple-grey color.

Wing Colors and Patterns

The front wings of the moth are shaped like a long oval, pointed at the end. They have beautiful colors like violet, coppery, and yellowish. Some moths might even have a lot of whitish color on their wings.

The patterns on their wings can vary. Some moths have dark purple-brown spots or markings. These might appear near the base of the wing, in the middle, or towards the edges. Other moths of this species might not have any markings at all! The tiny hairs along the edge of the wings, called cilia, are a golden-yellow color.

The back wings of Sabatinca caustica are a deep purple color. Their cilia are a pale golden-yellow.

When to Spot Them

Adult Sabatinca caustica moths have been seen flying in October. This suggests they are active during the spring season in New Zealand.

Images for kids

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  Sabatinca caustica as illustrated by George Hudson

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  Takitimu Mountains, collection location of S. caustica