Xyridacma ustaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xyridacma ustaria |
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Xyridacma
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X. ustaria
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| Xyridacma ustaria (Walker, 1863)
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The Xyridacma ustaria is a special type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Geometridae, which are also known as "looper moths" because of how their caterpillars move. This moth is quite unique because it is only found in one place: New Zealand.
About the Xyridacma Ustaria Moth
The Xyridacma ustaria moth was first officially described in 1863. A scientist named Francis Walker was the one who first studied and named it. He found the first examples of this moth in Auckland, a city in New Zealand.
Where This Moth Lives
Since the Xyridacma ustaria moth is endemic to New Zealand, it means you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world! It has been seen in several different parts of New Zealand.
For example, it has been found on Codfish Island, which is also known as Whenua Hou. Moths were seen there in May. It has also been spotted in Paroa during February. Another place where this moth lives is the Canterbury area.
What the Larvae Eat
Like all moths, the Xyridacma ustaria starts its life as a larva, which is like a caterpillar. These larvae need specific plants to eat and grow. Scientists have observed that the larvae of this moth feed on a plant called Pittosporum tenuifolium. This plant is a type of tree or shrub that is also native to New Zealand.
