Izatha gibbsi

Izatha gibbsi
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Oecophoridae
Genus:	Izatha
Species:	I. gibbsi
Binomial name
Izatha gibbsi Hoare, 2010[1]

Izatha gibbsi is a species moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is endemic to New Zealand. This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation. It is named for George W. Gibbs.

Taxonomy and etymology

This species was first described by Robert J. B. Hoare in 2010.[1] It was named in honour of George W. Gibbs in recognition of his contribution to New Zealand entomology.[2] The holotype specimen is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]

Description

The wingspan of this species is 12.5–13.5 mm for males and 13.5–20 mm for females.[2] I. gibbsi is small, grey in colour and has a lack of distinct markings, all features which distinguish it from similar species such I. rigescens.[2]

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[1] It occurs in the western parts of the North Island in the Northland, Auckland and Taranaki districts.[2]

Biology and behaviour

Adults have been recorded on the wing in February and March.[2]

Conservation Status

This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[3]

References

1. "Izatha gibbsi Hoare, 2010". www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
2. Hoare, R. J. B. (2010). "Izatha (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae)" (PDF). Fauna of New Zealand. 65: 1–201. ISBN 9780478347258. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
3. Hoare, R.J.B.; Dugdale, J.S.; Edwards, E.D.; Gibbs, G.W.; Patrick, B.H.; Hitchmough, R.A.; Rolfe, J.R. (2017). "Conservation status of New Zealand butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), 2015" (PDF). New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 20: 8.