Moth discovered may be a 'living dinosaur'

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A Living Dinosaur Moth Discovered
A Living Dinosaur Moth Discovered


It's no bigger than a dime. So why are they calling this newly discovered miniscule moth a "living dinosaur?" The enigma moth has iridescent gold and purple wings.

It was discovered on Australia's kangaroo island, the first time since the 1970s that a new family of primitive moths has been identified anywhere in the world.

Enigma moths aren't with us very long, they emerge from their cocoon, mate, females lay their eggs, and die in one day -- so what's with the "living dinosaur" thing?



Well, the enigma moth of today has basically the same features as its ancient ancestors that lived up to fifty million years ago, Ted Edwards of Australia's commonwealth and industrial research organization told the age magazine.

Australia could be considered the moth capital of the world home to some 22,000 species of moths and butterflies. Only half of which have been named.

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