Southern old lady moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern old lady moth |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Dasypodia
|
| Species: |
D. selenophora
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dasypodia selenophora Guenée, 1852
|
|
The Southern Old Lady Moth (scientific name: Dasypodia selenophora) is a fascinating type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Noctuidae. This moth was first officially described by a scientist named Achille Guenée in 1852.
About the Southern Old Lady Moth
This moth is known for its impressive size and unique appearance. It's a creature of the night, meaning it is mostly active after the sun goes down.
What it Looks Like
The Southern Old Lady Moth has a fairly large wingspan. Its wings can spread out to about 90 mm wide. That's almost as long as a standard pen!
Where it Lives
You can find the Southern Old Lady Moth in the southern parts of Australia. It also lives on Norfolk Island, which is a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Beyond that, it makes its home in New Zealand and even on Macquarie Island, a remote island located between New Zealand and Antarctica.
What it Eats
Like many moths, the Southern Old Lady Moth starts its life as a larva, also known as a caterpillar. These caterpillars have a specific diet. They mostly feed on different types of Acacia plants. Acacia trees and shrubs are common in Australia, providing plenty of food for these growing moths.
Gallery
-
Female, dorsal view
-
Female, ventral view
-
Male, dorsal view
-
Male, ventral view
