Stigmella kaimanua
Stigmella kaimanua is a moth of the family Nepticulidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the southern parts of the South Island. S. kaimanua inhabits lowland and lower montane forest. The larvae mine the leaves of Parsonsia heterophylla. The mine is linear and continues down the stems for a short distance. Larvae have been observed April to August. The cocoon is probably attached to the leaf litter on the ground under the host plant. There is one generation per year. Adults are on the wing in November and December and are attracted to light.
Taxonomy
This species was first described in 1989 by Hans Donner and Christopher Wilkinson from specimens collected in Fiordland, Otago and Southland. The male holotype specimen, collected at Woodhaugh, Dunedin on 5 November 1982 by B.H. Patrick, is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.Description
The larvae of S. kaimanua are 3–4 mm long and whitish yellow.Donner and Wilkinson described the male of this species as follows:
The female of the species is similar appearance to the male but has larger and darker forewings and antenna with 24 segments.