Our only moth with aquatic larvae. The larvae feed underwater, making a portable case from plant fragments.
Family
Crambidae
Biostatus
Native
Host Plant
Aquatic plant foliage, including pondweed and Canadian waterweed.
Larva
Branched gills on body's surface. Feeds on aquatic plants underwater. Portable cases made from plant fragments bound together with silk.
Pupa
Pupates in case.
Adult/Imago
December to March. Flies at night, attracted to light, often far away from water.
Forewing Length
6 - 10mm
Range
NZ
Habitat
Ponds, lakes.