Xanthorhoe semifissata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xanthorhoe semifissata |
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| Female | |
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| Male | |
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Xanthorhoe
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| Species: |
X. semifissata
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| Binomial name | |
| Xanthorhoe semifissata Walker, 1862
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Xanthorhoe semifissata is a small moth that lives only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of moths called Geometridae. These moths are sometimes called "inchworms" because of how their caterpillars move.
Contents
What Does This Moth Look Like?
This moth is small to medium-sized. Its wings can spread out about 25 to 35 millimeters wide. That's about the length of two or three small paperclips!
Where Does This Moth Live?
You can find Xanthorhoe semifissata on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It likes to live in places with lots of plants. Scientists have seen this moth in specific areas. For example, it has been found in Riccarton Bush in Christchurch. This moth's favorite places to live are where there are many herbaceous plants. These are plants with soft stems, not woody ones like trees. The caterpillars of this moth eat certain plants. They are known to munch on watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and plants from the Cardamine family.
Life Cycle
Like all moths, Xanthorhoe semifissata goes through different stages in its life.
Eggs
The eggs of this moth are pale green. They are shaped like half a sphere, or a tiny dome.
Larva (Caterpillar)
The caterpillar is dark brown on its top side. Its underside is a lighter brown color. When it is fully grown, it is about 2.5 centimeters long.
Adult Moth
Adult moths have been seen at different times of the year. In Riccarton Bush, Christchurch, they were found in March, May, August, and October. In the mountain grasslands near Cass, Arthurs Pass, these moths were seen from November through April.
