Izatha haumu
Izatha haumu (Māori name pepepepe haumu o Ngāti Kuri) is a species of moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation. It is believed to only inhabit the Aupouri Peninsula.
Izatha haumu | |
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Species: | I. haumu |
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Izatha haumu Hoare, 2010[1] | |
Taxonomy and etymology
This species was described by Robert J. B. Hoare in 2010 and named Izatha haumu.[1] The Māori word haumu means "hairy" and refers to the grizzled appearance of the moth.[2] The holotype specimen is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]
Description
The wingspan is 18–22 mm for males and about 23 mm for females.[2] This species is very similar in appearance to I. mesoschista and it is likely the two species can only be distinguished by an examination of male genitalia.[2]
Distribution
It is endemic to New Zealand,[1] where it is known from the Aupouri Peninsula of Northland.[2] I. haumu is believed to be endemic to Aupouri Peninsula.[2]
Biology and behaviour
Very little is known of the biology of this species but adults have been recorded on the wing in October and November.[2] The larvae of I. haumu has yet to be located.[2]
Conservation Status
This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[3]
References
- "Izatha haumu Hoare, 2010". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 2018-05-24.
- Hoare, R. J. B. (2010). "Izatha (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 65: 1–201. ISBN 9780478347258.
- Hoare, R.J.B.; Dugdale, J.S.; Edwards, E.D.; Gibbs, G.W.; Patrick, B.H.; Hitchmough, R.A.; Rolfe, J.R. (2017). "Conservation status of New Zealand butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), 2015" (PDF). New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 20: 8.