This moth gets its species name iridia from Iris, the Roman goddess of the rainbow, due to the wavy row of iridescent scales running along the black band on the hindwing.
Family
Crambidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Cutty grasses, e.g. toetoe.
Larva
Feeds on cutty grasses, e.g. toetoe.
Adult/Imago
Wavy row of iridescent scales on hindwing black band. December to May. Rests under cutty grass leaves by day. Flies from dusk, attracted to light.
Forewing Length
7.5 - 12mm
Range
North Island, northern and western parts of South Island.
Habitat
Native forest.
