The wingspan of this species is between 8.5 to 11 mm.[4] The cocoons of this species are oval shaped with flat spread out edges.[4]
Distribution
This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found throughout the North Island and in the north-west of Nelson.[1][4]
Habitat and hosts
This species inhabits native forest particularly forest on the coast. The larvae of this species feed on the berries of Nikau palm trees.[4] They spin the berries together with silk threads and when fully mature the larvae travel down to the trunk of the palm to pupate there in white-brown cocoons.[4]
Behaviour
Adults are on the wing all through the year.[4] They have been observed resting, in a head down position, on Nikau palms.[4] Often adults can be observed near the cocoons of their larvae.[4] Although they are nocturnal they are only occasionally attracted to light.[4]