Izatha mesoschista
Common NameIzatha mesoschista
Scientific NameIzatha mesoschista
FamilyOecophoridae
SubfamilyOecophorinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, off-white, black
HabitatNative forests, shrublands
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsNative New Zealand trees and shrubs (larvae are wood-borers)
Flight PeriodOctober to March
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically wood-borers, feeding on dead or decaying wood of native trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs within the larval feeding site.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled grey, off-white, and black cryptic pattern on the forewings, including specific dark patches and lines. Its small size and endemic range to New Zealand are also key indicators.
Description
This is a small moth with mottled forewings displaying a cryptic pattern of light grey, off-white, and dark grey to black patches and lines, including a prominent dark mark centrally.
