Eudonia rakaiaensis
Common NameEudonia rakaiaensis
Scientific NameEudonia rakaiaensis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyScopariinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatForests, grasslands, and damp areas where mosses and lichens are prevalent, particularly in mountainous or riverine environments.
Geographic RangeNew Zealand (endemic, particularly associated with the Canterbury region, Rakaia River area)
Host Plantsmosses, lichens, herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodOctober to April (Southern Hemisphere spring to autumn)
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, Eudonia rakaiaensis undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs hatch into larvae that typically feed on mosses, lichens, or herbaceous plants before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, slender body, long labial palps, and the intricate, mottled grey and white cryptic pattern on its wings. Distinguishing it from other Eudonia species often requires examination of genitalic structures.
Description
A small, slender moth with a cryptically patterned body and wings, featuring mottled shades of grey, white, and dark brown/black, allowing it to blend seamlessly with bark or rocks. It possesses prominent, segmented antennae and a distinctive 'snout-like' appearance due to its labial palps.
