Dumbletonius characterifer
Dumbletonius characterifer is a species of moth of the family Hepialidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1865.

The wingspan is  for males and  for females. There is a complex ocellate pattern with bicoloured scales on the forewings. The hindwings are dark brown. Adults are on wing from November to April. D. characterifer is present in the Waikato, Taupo, Taranaki, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough and Marlborough Sounds, Buller and Westland regions.

The larvae feed on leaf litter. They built tunnels in the leaf litter from which they feed.

The northern most location this species has been observed at is Mount Te Aroha. This species has been known to be infected by Ophiocordyceps robertsii, the vegetable caterpillar fungus.

References

Moths described in 1865
Hepialidae
Moths of New Zealand
Endemic fauna of New Zealand
Taxa named by Francis Walker (entomologist)
Endemic moths of New Zealand