Scoparia molifera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scoparia molifera |
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Scoparia
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S. molifera
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| Scoparia molifera Meyrick, 1926
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Scoparia molifera is a type of small moth. It is part of the Crambidae family. This moth is special because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means it can only be found there and nowhere else in the world!
What It Looks Like
This moth has a wingspan of about 20 millimeters (which is about 0.8 inches). Its front wings are mostly brown. They are a bit lighter near the bottom edge. The upper part of the front wings is darker brown. The lines on the wings are whitish.
The back wings of the moth are a whitish-grey color with a hint of yellow. Adult moths have been seen flying around in February.
About Its Name
A scientist named Edward Meyrick first described this moth in 1926. When scientists describe a new species, they give it a name. This helps everyone know exactly which animal or plant they are talking about.
However, scientists are not completely sure if this moth fits perfectly into the Scoparia group of moths. Because of this, you might sometimes see its name written as Scoparia (s.l.) molifera. The "s.l." part means "in the broader sense." It shows that its exact scientific group is still being studied.
What It Eats
The young moths, called caterpillars, have a special diet. They eat the leaves of a plant called Pyrrosia eleagnifolia. The caterpillars "mine" the fronds of this plant. This means they tunnel inside the leaves and eat the plant material from the inside.
