Wiseana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wiseana |
|
|---|---|
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Hepialidae |
| Genus: | Wiseana Viette, 1961 |
| Species | |
|
See text. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Wiseana is a special group of moths. These moths are part of a larger family called Hepialidae. All seven known types, or species, of Wiseana moths live only in New Zealand. This means they are endemic to New Zealand, and you won't find them naturally anywhere else in the world!
Contents
Meet the Wiseana Moths
There are seven different kinds of Wiseana moths that scientists have named. Each one is unique, but they all share some common features as part of the Wiseana group.
- Wiseana cervinata
- Wiseana copularis
- Wiseana fuliginea
- Wiseana jocosa
- The larvae of this moth mostly feed on grasses.
- Wiseana mimica
- Wiseana signata
- Just like some other Wiseana moths, its larvae enjoy eating grasses.
- Wiseana umbraculatus
- The larvae of this species also feed on grasses.
What Moths Are
Moths are insects that are closely related to butterflies. They both belong to a group called Lepidoptera. Moths usually fly at night, while butterflies are often seen during the day. Moths have furry bodies and feathery antennae.
Life Cycle of Moths
Moths go through a complete life cycle with four main stages. This process is called metamorphosis.
Egg Stage
The life of a moth begins as a tiny egg. Female moths lay their eggs on plants. These plants will become food for the young moths when they hatch.
Larva Stage
When an egg hatches, a larva comes out. For moths, this larva is usually called a caterpillar. Caterpillars spend their time eating and growing. They shed their skin several times as they get bigger. For Wiseana moths, many of their larvae eat different types of grasses.
Pupa Stage
After growing enough, the caterpillar changes into a pupa. For many moths, the pupa is inside a cocoon. The cocoon is like a protective blanket. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar's body changes into an adult moth. This stage can last for weeks or even months.
Adult Stage
Finally, the adult moth comes out of the pupa. Adult moths have wings and can fly. Their main job is to find a mate and lay eggs. This starts the whole life cycle over again. Adult moths usually do not eat much, or they only drink nectar from flowers.
