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Doxophyrtis hydrocosma
Doxophyrtis hydrocosma, also known as the Nikau Palm moth, is a species of moth in the family Plutellidae first described by Edward Meyrick in 1914.[2][3] It is endemic to New Zealand. Description The wingspan of this species is between 8.5 to 11 mm.[4] The cocoons of this species are oval shaped with flat spread out edges.[4] DistributionThis species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the North Island and in the north-west of Nelson.[1][4] Habitat and hostsThis species inhabits native forest particularly forest on the coast. The larvae of this species feed on the berries of Nikau palm trees.[4] They spin the berries together with silk threads and when fully mature the larvae travel down to the trunk of the palm to pupate there in white-brown cocoons.[4] BehaviourAdults are on the wing all through the year.[4] They have been observed resting, in a head down position, on Nikau palms.[4] Often adults can be observed near the cocoons of their larvae.[4] Although they are nocturnal they are only occasionally attracted to light.[4] References Wikimedia Commons has media related to Doxophyrtis hydrocosma.
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