| Hyposmocoma kahaiao | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Cosmopterigidae |
| Genus: | Hyposmocoma |
| Species: | H. kahaiao |
| Binomial name | |
| Hyposmocoma kahaiao P. Schmitz & Rubinoff, 2011 | |
Hyposmocoma kahaiao is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Maui. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma . [1]
Hyposmocoma is a genus of moths with more 350 species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The genus was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1881. Most species of Hyposmocoma have plant-based diets, but four species, such as Hyposmocoma molluscivora, eat snails. The caterpillars spin silk, which they then use to capture and eat snails. These are the first caterpillars known to eat snails.
Amphibious caterpillar refers to over 40 species of semiaquatic caterpillars endemic to Hawaii that are the only insects that live as readily in water as on land. In 2010, Daniel Rubinoff and Patrick Schmitz at the University of Hawaii at Manoa first described the amphibious habits of the larvae in the moth genus Hyposmocoma of the family Cosmopterigidae. Young of each species thrive both underwater in rushing streams and exposed to air on rocks poking out of the water. Rubinoff states, “These species are at least as different as chimpanzees are from us”. While some other caterpillars can survive for short periods under water, they are possibly the only air-breather that can thrive exclusively there. "No other animal that breathes air can handle being submerged for a month," he says.
Hyposmocoma auropurpurea is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The type locality is the Waianae Range.
Hyposmocoma inversella is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The type locality is the Waianae Range, where it was collected at an elevation of 2,000 feet (610 m).
Hyposmocoma nebulifera is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It was first described by Lord Walsingham in 1907. It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The type locality is the Waianae Range, where it was collected at an elevation of 2,000 feet (610 m).
Hyposmocoma carnivora is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Hawaii.
Hyposmocoma pupumoehewa is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Maui.
Hyposmocoma kahamanoa is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Oahu. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma kamakou is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Molokai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma waihohonu is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Maui. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma moopalikea is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Maui. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma aumakuawai is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Kauai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma eepawai is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Kauai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma ipowainui is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Kauai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma kawaikoi is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Kauai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma uhauiole is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Kauai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma wailua is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is endemic to Kauai. The species belongs to the amphibious caterpillar guild of the genus Hyposmocoma.
Hyposmocoma ipohapuu is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is known only from Volcano Village on Hawaii. It is probably restricted to the rainforest areas around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The elevation for the type locality is approximately 1,200 metres (3,900 ft).
Hyposmocoma makawao is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is known only from the Makawao Forest Reserve on Maui.
Hyposmocoma tantala is a species of moth of the family Cosmopterigidae. It is known only from Mount Tantalus on Oahu.
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