Thiotricha oleariae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thiotricha oleariae |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Gelechiidae
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| Genus: |
Thiotricha
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| Species: |
T. oleariae
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| Binomial name | |
| Thiotricha oleariae Hudson, 1928
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The Thiotricha oleariae is a small moth that belongs to the Gelechiidae family. It was first described by a scientist named George Hudson in 1928. This special moth is only found in New Zealand.
Where Does the Thiotricha oleariae Moth Live?
You can find the Thiotricha oleariae moth in different parts of New Zealand. It lives from the central area of the North Island all the way south to Stewart Island. This means it's a native species, only found in New Zealand!
What Does the Adult Moth Look Like?
When the Thiotricha oleariae moth is fully grown, it has a grey body. It also has some darker marks on its wings, which help it blend in with its surroundings.
The Life Cycle of the Thiotricha oleariae Moth
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, have a very interesting way of life. They like to eat the leaves of plants from the Olearia family. One of their favorite plants is Olearia solandri.
These tiny caterpillars are like little engineers! They create a special, portable case for themselves. Inside this case, they munch on the leaves. They are known as leaf miners because they tunnel inside the leaves, eating the soft parts and leaving trails behind. This process also causes the leaves to wear away or "erode."
