Izatha gekkonella facts for kids

Izatha gekkonella is a special type of moth that belongs to the Oecophoridae family. You can only find this unique moth in New Zealand. It lives in specific areas like the Taieri and Shag River regions in eastern Otago.

What Does It Look Like?

The Izatha gekkonella moth is quite small. Its wingspan (how wide its wings are when spread out) is about 13.5 to 15.5 millimeters for male moths. Female moths are a little bigger, with a wingspan of 13.5 to 17 millimeters. This moth looks a lot like another moth called I. convulsella. However, Izatha gekkonella is usually a bit smaller and has more brownish colors.

Behaviour

When Can You See It?

Adult Izatha gekkonella moths are usually seen flying during the months of October, November, and December.

What Do They Eat?

The young moths, called larvae, have a unique diet! They eat lichens, which are like mossy growths found on rocks. These larvae build a silky web among the lichens as they feed.

Why Is It Called That?

The name gekkonella means "little gecko". This name was chosen because the moth's appearance under a microscope looks mottled and scaly, much like a gecko's skin. Also, just like geckos, these moths love to hang out on rock faces. Geckos are very common and diverse in the South Island region where I. gekkonella lives.