Izatha metadelta facts for kids

Izatha metadelta is a type of moth. It belongs to a group of moths called Oecophoridae. This moth lives only in New Zealand. You can find it mostly on the North Island. It is quite rare in the northern parts, like Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

Discovering the Izatha Metadelta Moth

Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps them study and understand it. The Izatha metadelta moth was first described in 1905. A scientist named Edward Meyrick gave it its name. He used three moth samples to study it. These samples were found in Wellington by George Hudson.

One of these original samples is very important. It is called a lectotype. This special sample is kept at the Natural History Museum, London. It helps scientists confirm what the species looks like. George Hudson also wrote about this moth. He included pictures of it in his 1928 book. The book was called The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand.

What the Izatha Metadelta Moth Looks Like

The Izatha metadelta moth is a small to medium-sized moth. Its size can be measured by its wingspan. This is the distance from one wingtip to the other.

• Male moths have a wingspan of about 15 to 18.5 millimeters.
• Female moths are a bit larger. Their wingspan is about 19 to 25.5 millimeters.

These moths are usually seen flying during the summer months. You can spot adult moths in December, January, and February.

Where Izatha Metadelta Larvae Live

The young stage of a moth is called a larva. Larvae of the Izatha metadelta moth have been found in interesting places. They live under the bark of dead trees. Scientists have found them under the bark of dead Aristotelia serrata trees. They also live in soft, fallen branches of Hedycarya arborea. Sometimes, they are found in damp, rotten wood on the ground.