Wavy-lined zanclognatha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wavy-lined zanclognatha |
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The wavy-lined zanclognatha (scientific name: Zanclognatha jacchusalis) is a type of litter moth. It belongs to the Erebidae family, which includes many different kinds of moths. This moth was first described by a scientist named Francis Walker in 1859.
You can find the wavy-lined zanclognatha in the United States. It lives in areas from Wisconsin all the way to Maine. Its range also extends south to Georgia and Louisiana.
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About the Wavy-Lined Zanclognatha
This moth is known for its wavy lines on its wings. The distance from one wingtip to the other, called its wingspan, is about 28 to 31 millimeters. That's roughly the length of a few small paper clips!
Life Cycle and Generations
Adult wavy-lined zanclognatha moths are usually seen flying from April to September. In most places, there is one generation of these moths each year. This means they complete their full life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult) once a year. However, in Missouri, they can have two generations in a single year.
What Do They Eat?
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, likely eat detritus. Detritus is decaying organic matter, like dead leaves and other plant bits. Scientists have even raised these larvae by feeding them dead oak leaves. This shows how important recycling natural materials is, even for insects!
Different Types of Wavy-Lined Zanclognatha
Just like some animals have different types or "subspecies" that look a bit different or live in different places, the wavy-lined zanclognatha also has a few recognized subspecies. These are slightly different versions of the same moth.
