Trachypepla contritella
Common NameTrachypepla contritella
Scientific NameTrachypepla contritella
FamilyOecophoridae
SubfamilyOecophorinae
Wingspan (mm)11
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, cream
HabitatForests, shrublands, gardens, areas with lichens and detritus
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host Plantslichens, detritus
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are likely detritivorous or lichenivorous, pupating in a cocoon before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, cryptic mottled pattern of grey, brown, and cream, and the characteristic pale band with dark markings on the forewings; endemic to New Zealand.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings, featuring a pale creamish-yellow band across the middle, bordered by dark brown patches and wavy grey-brown lines.
