Izatha convulsella
Scientific NameIzatha convulsella
FamilyOecophoridae
SubfamilyOecophorinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatNative forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsCoprosma, Griselinia, Nothofagus, Salix
Flight PeriodOctober to March
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are wood-borers, feeding within dead wood of various native broadleaf trees and sometimes introduced species. Pupation occurs within the larval tunnel.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive mottled grey and white forewings with scattered black scales, often featuring a more prominent black mark near the tornus. Its resting posture, flat against tree bark, is also characteristic.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a highly cryptic pattern of mottled grey, white, and black scales, designed for camouflage against tree bark. Its forewings are elongated and held flat over the body at rest.
