Izatha spheniscella facts for kids

The Izatha spheniscella is a special type of moth that belongs to the Oecophoridae family. This moth is only found in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. New Zealand's Department of Conservation has listed this moth as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon." You can only find it on the Snares Islands, which are far south of New Zealand.

What is the Izatha spheniscella Moth?

This unique moth was first officially described by a scientist named Robert J. B. Hoare in 2010. The name spheniscella comes from the word for a penguin, Spheniscus. This name was chosen because the female moth has very short wings, much like a penguin's flippers, and it lives on rocky islands, just like penguins.

The first official sample of this moth, called the holotype, is kept safe at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

What Does the Izatha spheniscella Moth Look Like?

The male Izatha spheniscella moth has a wingspan of about 14 to 15 millimeters. The female moth is a bit smaller, with a wingspan of around 14 millimeters.

It can sometimes be confused with another moth called I. oleariae, which also lives on the Snares Islands. However, there are clear differences:

• The male I. spheniscella has shorter wings and looks darker than the male I. oleariae.
• The female I. spheniscella is very easy to tell apart because her wings are much shorter (this is called brachyptery). The female I. oleariae has full-sized wings.

Where Does the Izatha spheniscella Moth Live?

This moth is only found in New Zealand. Specifically, it lives only on the remote Snares Islands. These islands are located in the subantarctic region, far south of New Zealand's main islands.

What Do We Know About the Izatha spheniscella Moth's Life?

Scientists don't know a lot about the daily life of this moth yet.

• Food: Young moths, called larvae, are thought to eat green algae. Pupae (the stage before becoming an adult moth) have been found among green algae on a rock on Rima Islet, which is part of the Western Chain of the Snares.
• Other Food Sources: Some moths have also been found near crustose lichens, which are a type of plant-like growth on rocks. This suggests that the larvae might also eat lichens.
• Larvae: The actual larvae of this moth have not yet been discovered or studied.
• Adult Moths: Adult moths have been seen flying around in December and February.

Why is the Izatha spheniscella Moth Important?

The Izatha spheniscella moth is considered "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means it's a special species that needs protection because it's not found in many places and its numbers are naturally low. Protecting this moth helps keep the unique wildlife of the Snares Islands healthy.