Izatha gekkonella
| Izatha gekkonella | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Oecophoridae |
| Genus: | Izatha |
| Species: | I. gekkonella
|
| Binomial name | |
| Izatha gekkonella Hoare, 2010[1]
| |
Izatha gekkonella is a moth of the family Oecophoridae.[1] It is endemic to New Zealand, where it is only known from the region of the Taieri and Shag River catchments in eastern Otago.[2]
Description[edit]
The wingspan is 13.5–15.5 mm for males and 13.5–17 mm for females.[2] This species is very similar in appearance to I. convulsella but is slightly smaller and has a more brownish appearance.[2]
Behaviour[edit]
Adults have been recorded in October, November and December.[2]
Larvae have been recorded feeding on lichens on rock-faces, making a silken web amongst the lichens.[2]
Etymology[edit]
The name gekkonella means "little gecko" and refers to the mottled and scaly appearance of the moth under the microscope, as well as its gecko-like fondness for rockfaces.[2] Geckos are common and diverse in the region of the South Island favoured by I. gekkonella.[2]
References[edit]
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