Critter of the Week Grays River grass moth

This week’s critter is the Grays River grass moth (Orocrambus fugitivellis) This moth survives drowning in parts of its lifecycle and extreme drought in others. The female is flightless, but has pretty strong legs that enable her to climb grasses. This species is only found in the Mackenzie Basin, which is a national hotspot for this whole genus.

Orocrambus_fugitivellus_male_By Birgit E. Rhode, Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. CC BY 4.0, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwind

The short-winged flightless female of Orocrambus fugitivellus_Credit Brian Patrick

Male of Orocrambus fugitivellus typically resting in the grasses of its habitat_Credit Brian Patrick