Izatha walkerae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Izatha walkerae |
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Oecophoridae
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I. walkerae
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| Izatha walkerae Hoare, 2010
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The Izatha walkerae is a special type of lichen tuft moth. It belongs to a family of moths called Oecophoridae. This moth is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there. The New Zealand Department of Conservation has given it a special status. They classify it as "Data Deficient" because not enough is known about it.
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Discovering and Naming the Moth
A scientist named Robert J. B. Hoare officially described this moth in 2010. Before it got its official name, people called it Izatha sp. "whorled antennae". This was because of its unique antennae. The moth was named walkerae to honor Annette Walker. She was the person who found the very first specimen of this species. This first specimen, called a holotype, is kept safe at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. A holotype is like the main example of a species.
What Does It Look Like?
Male Izatha walkerae moths have a wingspan of about 18 to 20 millimeters. That's roughly the size of a small coin. Scientists have not yet found or described a female moth of this species.
This moth looks a lot like another moth called I. copiosella. However, you can tell I. walkerae apart by its antennae. It has special long, dark hairs called sensilla that grow in circles or "whorls" on its antennae. It also has unique parts on its body that help scientists identify it.
Where Does It Live?
The Izatha walkerae moth is found only in New Zealand. It lives in the north-eastern part of the South Island. Scientists have found these moths in a few specific places. They have been seen near Port Underwood Road in Marlborough. They have also been found at Lake Tennyson in Canterbury.
Life and Habits
Scientists don't know much about the daily life of the Izatha walkerae moth. Adult moths have been seen flying in November and January. Some moths were caught using a special tool called a Malaise trap. This trap helps collect flying insects. We know that this moth is active during the day. However, we still don't know what plants these moths eat.
Conservation Status
The Izatha walkerae moth has a "Data Deficient" conservation status. This means that there isn't enough information about the moth's population. Scientists need more data to know if it is rare or if it is doing well. This status is given under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.
