Izatha blepharidota facts for kids

Izatha blepharidota is a special kind of moth that belongs to the Oecophoridae family. This moth is found only in New Zealand. It lives in the northern part of the North Island.

What is the Izatha blepharidota Moth?

The Izatha blepharidota moth is not very big. Its wingspan is about 22.5 to 26 millimeters for male moths. Female moths are a little larger, with a wingspan of 23 to 29 millimeters. Adult moths can be seen flying from November to April.

What Do Young Moths Eat?

The young moths, called larvae, like to eat dead wood. Scientists have found them living in dead branches of plants like Pseudopanax crassifolius. They also eat dead, soft stems of Ripogonum scandens. Other favorite foods include dead branches from Coriaria arborea and dead wood from Kunzea ericoides trees.

How Did it Get Its Name?

The name blepharidota comes from ancient Greek words. Blepharis means "eyelash," and the ending -ota is like an adjective. This name was chosen because the moth's front wings have delicate, eyelash-like streaks. These tiny lines are found in the part of the wing near the very end.