Scoparia astragalota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scoparia astragalota |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scoparia (moth)
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| Species: |
astragalota
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Scoparia astragalota is a special kind of moth that lives only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of moths called Crambidae. This means it is found nowhere else in the world!
How Scientists Name This Moth
A scientist named Edward Meyrick first described this moth in 1884. He gave it the name Xeroscopa astragalota. Later, in 1913, Meyrick thought it might fit better in a different group called Scoparia. Because scientists are still studying it, sometimes you might see it called Scoparia (s.l.) astragalota. The "(s.l.)" means "in a broader sense," showing that its exact group is still being discussed.
What This Moth Looks Like
This moth is about 27 millimeters (just over an inch) wide when its wings are spread out. Its front wings are a light yellowish-brown color. They have some white areas and black marks. You might also see hints of reddish-brown on them. The back wings are a pale whitish-grey, with a slight yellowish tint. Some parts, like the crescent shape (lunule) and the line across the middle (postmedian line), are a bit greyer. Adult moths have been seen flying around in December and January.
