Izatha quinquejacula

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Izatha quinquejacula
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Oecophoridae
Genus: Izatha
Species:
I. quinquejacula
Binomial name
Izatha quinquejacula
Hoare, 2010[1]

Izatha quinquejacula 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 only found on the Three Kings Islands.

Taxonomy and etymology[edit]

This species was first described by Robert J. B. Hoare in 2010.[2][1] It was first discovered by Peter M. Johns in 1963.[2]

Description[edit]

The wingspan of this species is 19–23 mm for males and about 26 mm for females.[2] The species is similar in appearance to I. epiphanes, I. mesoschista, and I. haumu.[2] However I. quinquejacula can be distinguished from I. epiphanes as it has a less noticeable discal spot as well as a fishtail shaped mark above this spot on its forewings.[2] It can be distinguished from I. mesoschista, and I. haumu. as it has a 3 shaped black mark on the main vein running along the leading edge of its wing which is not found on the forewings of those two species.[2]

Distribution[edit]

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[1] It is only found on the Great Island in the Three Kings Islands.[2]

Biology and behaviour[edit]

Little is known of the biology of this species and the larvae are as yet unknown.[2] Adults have been recorded on the wing in November and December.[2]

Conservation status[edit]

This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Izatha quinquejacula Hoare, 2010". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hoare, R. J. B. (2010). "Izatha (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 65: 1–201. ISBN 9780478347258. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  3. ^ 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.