Gadira petraula

Gadira petraula is a moth species in the Crambidae family, endemic to New Zealand and restricted to mid Canterbury. It inhabits coastal, montane, and low alpine rocky sites. The larvae live in rock crevices, creating silk shelters from which they emerge to feed on moss or lichens. Adult females are flightless, while males fly during March. The species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

The species was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1882 and later reclassified by David Gaskin into the genus Gadira in 1973. George Hudson provided detailed illustrations in his 1928 publication. The larvae are described as stout, cylindrical, and dark greyish-fuscous with blackish spots, while adults have distinct wing patterns differing from related species.

Gadira petraula's distribution is limited to mid Canterbury, with misidentifications leading to records elsewhere. Conservation threats include habitat destruction from the 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquakes and urbanization. Rock climbers also pose a risk by removing host plants.