Lysiphragma mixochlora


Lysiphragma mixochlora is a species of moth in the family Tineidae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1888. This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found in both the North and South Islands. This species inhabits dense native forest. The larvae feed under the bark of dead karaka trees under a curtain of silk and refuse. Adults are commonly on the wing from December until February and are attracted to uv light.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1888 using two specimens collected at Auckland and "Makatoku" in December and March. In 1927 Alfred Philpott discussed and illustrated the male genitalia of this species. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species under that name in both his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand and in the 1939 supplement to that volume. The lectotype specimen, collected in Auckland, is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Description

Hudson described the larva of this species as follows:
The larva of this species closely resembles its sister species L. epixya.
Meyrick described the adults of this species as follows:
Hudson regarded the adult moth's protective resemblance to a moss or lichen covered twig as highly efficient in protecting the insect from predation.

Distribution

L. mixochlora is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in both the North and South Islands.

Habitat and hosts

This species inhabits dense native forest. The larvae of this species feed under the bark of dead karaka trees and can be abundant, feeding under a curtain of silk and refuse.

Behaviour

Adults are commonly on the wing from December to February. When resting on tree trunks the adult moth stands on the fore and intermediate legs, the wings form a steep but narrow roof; the antennae are held backwards extending along the middle of each wing; both of the large tufts of raised scales on the dorsum of the forewings are in contact, forming together two large decorative flaps on the mid-back. Adults have been collected via blacklight traps.