Scoparia animosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scoparia animosa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scoparia (moth)
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| Species: |
animosa
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Scoparia animosa is a small moth that lives only in New Zealand. It belongs to the family Crambidae, which are often called "grass moths" or "snout moths." This moth was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1914. It is a unique part of New Zealand's wildlife.
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About Scoparia animosa
Scientists give special names to all living things. This helps them organize and study different species. S. animosa was first named by Edward Meyrick in 1914.
Why Its Name Is Special
The exact group, or genus, that this moth belongs to is still being studied. Because of this, you might see it called Scoparia (s.l.) animosa. The "s.l." part means "in the wider sense." It shows that scientists are still working to understand its family tree.
What Does Scoparia animosa Look Like?
This moth is quite small. Its wingspan is usually about 15 mm, which is about half an inch.
Wings and Patterns
The front wings, called forewings, are a shiny bronzy-brown color. They have tiny black spots scattered across them. The bottom two-thirds of these wings are darker, almost black, near the body.
There are also some cool lines on the wings:
- The first line is white and has a black edge behind it.
- The second line is also white, with a few black spots in front of it.
- A third line, called the subterminal line, is white too.
- Between the second and subterminal lines, you can see black streaks along the wing veins.
Near the tip of the wing (the apex) and along the outer edge (the termen), there is a row of small black spots. The back wings, called hindwings, are a grey-whitish color. They look a bit greyer towards the outer edges.
When to Spot Them
Adult Scoparia animosa moths have been seen flying around in December. This is when they are most active.
