Wiseana mimica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wiseana mimica
Female specimen.
Male specimen.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Hepialidae
Genus:	Wiseana
Species:	W. mimica
Binomial name
Wiseana mimica (Philpott, 1923)
Synonyms
Porina mimica Philpott, 1923

The Wiseana mimica is a special type of moth found only in New Zealand. It belongs to a group of moths called Hepialidae. A scientist named Philpott first described this moth in 1923. It's sometimes called a "ghost moth" because of how it flies.

What Does the Wiseana Mimica Moth Look Like?

These moths have different sizes depending on if they are male or female.

• Male moths usually have a wingspan (the distance from one wingtip to the other) of about 29 to 40 millimeters.
• Female moths are a bit bigger, with a wingspan of about 41 to 48 millimeters.

Colors and Patterns

The front wings of the Wiseana mimica moth can be many different colors. However, they are most often a dark brown. This helps them blend in with their surroundings.

When Can You See Wiseana Mimica Moths?

Adult Wiseana mimica moths are active for several months of the year. You can usually see them flying from September all the way through February. This is when they are looking for mates and laying eggs.