Tinea astraea facts for kids
The Tinea astraea is a small moth found only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of moths called Tineidae. These moths are often known for eating natural fibers. This particular moth was first described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1911.
Quick facts for kids Tinea astraea |
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| Genus: |
Tinea
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| Species: |
T. astraea
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| Binomial name | |
| Tinea astraea Meyrick, 1911
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Contents
About the Tinea Astraea Moth
The Tinea astraea is a type of moth that lives only in New Zealand. This means it is endemic to that country. It was first officially named and described by a scientist named Edward Meyrick in 1911.
Where Does It Belong?
Scientists are still studying exactly where this moth fits in the moth family tree. While it is currently placed in the Tinea group, some experts are not completely sure. Because of this, you might sometimes see it called Tinea (s.l.) astraea. The "s.l." means "sensu lato," which is a Latin phrase meaning "in a broad sense." It suggests that its exact genus might change in the future after more research.
What Does It Look Like?
This moth is quite small. Its wingspan is about 12 millimeters (which is less than half an inch).
Forewings
The front wings, called forewings, are mostly dark, almost black. The outer part of these wings, about two-fifths of their length, has a shiny bronze-brown color. You can also see five thin white lines running from the base of the wing towards the middle. Two of these lines are longer than the others.
There are also some short white marks on the edge of the wing near the body. Plus, there are pairs of slanted white stripes that start from the top edge of the wing and reach about halfway across. The back part of the wing has more white stripes that are not as slanted.
Hindwings
The back wings, called hindwings, are grey. They have a pretty purplish shine when the light hits them just right.
