Izatha minimira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Izatha minimira |
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Oecophoridae
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I. minimira
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| Izatha minimira Hoare, 2010
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The Izatha minimira is a special type of moth that belongs to the Oecophoridae family. This moth is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. The New Zealand Department of Conservation has listed this moth as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon." This means it is not very common and needs protection.
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Discovering the Izatha minimira
Scientists first described this moth species in 2010. The person who named it was Robert J. B. Hoare. He chose the name minimira because the moth looks like a tiny version of another moth called Izatha mira.
When a new species is found, scientists keep a special example of it. This example is called a holotype. The holotype for the Izatha minimira moth is kept safe at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.
What the Izatha minimira Looks Like
The Izatha minimira moth is quite small. Male moths have a wingspan of about 12.5 millimeters. Female moths are a bit larger, with a wingspan between 13 and 17.5 millimeters.
This moth looks a lot like another species called I. metadelta. However, the Izatha minimira does not have golden-orange, spine-like scales on its front wings. It also looks similar to I. mira, but it is much smaller. Plus, these two species live in different areas and do not meet.
Where the Izatha minimira Lives
The Izatha minimira moth is only found in New Zealand. Specifically, it lives in the northern part of the North Island. You can find this moth in areas like Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel, and the Bay of Plenty.
Life and Habits of the Izatha minimira
Scientists do not know much about the life of the Izatha minimira moth. For example, the young moths, called larvae, have not yet been found or studied.
Adult moths are usually seen flying later in the year. They are active from January through April. Female moths seem to be drawn to lights, but male moths are not as interested in them.
Protecting the Izatha minimira
The Izatha minimira moth has a special conservation status. It is listed as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means the moth is not very common in nature. It needs careful watching to make sure its numbers stay healthy.
