Xanthorhoe lophogramma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xanthorhoe lophogramma |
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Xanthorhoe
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X. lophogramma
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| Xanthorhoe lophogramma Meyrick, 1897
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Xanthorhoe lophogramma is a special kind of moth found only in New Zealand. It belongs to the Geometridae family, which are often called "geometer moths" because their caterpillars seem to "measure" the earth as they move. This moth is considered "At Risk, Nationally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation. This means it's not very common and needs protection.
Contents
Discovering the Moth
This moth was first described in 1897 by a scientist named Edward Meyrick. He used a moth specimen that George Hudson had collected. Hudson found this moth in January 1893 at a place called Castle Hill. He even wrote about and drew pictures of it in his books from 1898 and 1928.
For a short time in 1912, another scientist thought this moth should be moved to a different group called Larentia. However, this idea wasn't widely accepted. The original specimen, known as the holotype (which is like the main example for a species), is kept safe at the Natural History Museum, London.
Scientists sometimes find it hard to tell this moth apart from a very similar one called X. semifissata. They look so much alike that some experts think they might even be the same species! Despite this, X. lophogramma was still given a special conservation status in New Zealand in 2017.
What the Moth Looks Like
This moth is about 2.7 centimeters (just over an inch) wide when its wings are spread. Its head and body are a mix of grey-white with dark brown and black spots.
The forewings (the front wings) are mostly brownish-white with dark brown speckles. They have a dark, curved line near the base. The middle part of the wing has a dark band made of three blurry dark brown stripes. The outer edge of this band has a unique shape: it sticks out like a rectangle near the top and has a wider, rounded bump in the middle. There's also a dark spot near the wing tip.
The hindwings (the back wings) are a dull yellowish-orange color.
Even though it looks a lot like X. semifissata, scientists can tell X. lophogramma apart by the special shape of the dark band on its forewings. Also, its hindwings are a darker yellowish-orange and don't have the crosswise patterns that X. semifissata has.
Where the Moth Lives
X. lophogramma is found only in New Zealand. You can find it in several areas on the South Island, including Marlborough, North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, Mackenzie, and Central Otago.
Moth Life and Habits
This moth likes to live in lowland areas where there is dry beech scrub. You can usually see these moths flying around in January.
Food and Habitat
Scientists don't yet know what plants the caterpillars of this moth eat. However, they think the caterpillars probably feed on small, low-growing plants that belong to the Brassicaceae family. This family includes plants like cabbage and mustard.
Protecting the Moth
This moth is listed as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" in New Zealand. This means it's not found in many places and its numbers are low. The biggest threat to this moth is that much of its natural lowland habitat has been changed by plants brought in from other countries. These new plants can take over the areas where the moth normally lives and feeds. Protecting these natural areas is important for the moth's survival.
