Maori Pigmy Moth (Stigmella maoriella)

This species is known from three male specimens that were collected sometimes prior to 1854 at or near the city of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand.

The species has not been recorded since and is considered possibly extinct by some authors, however, it might in fact be still existing since all members of its family are extremely small and understudied. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Hans Donner; Christopher Wikinson: Nepticulidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera). Fauna of New Zealand 16: 1-92. 1989

*********************

edited: 25.05.2021