Usually has a purplish tinge to the forewings and often patches of contrasting ashen scales, which help it blend beautifully with the dead fronds of host ferns.
Family
Tortricidae
Biostatus
Endemic
Host Plant
Tree ferns
Larva
Feeds from silk spinning on tree fern fronds.
Pupa
Pupates in silk spinning.
Adult/Imago
Variable wing patterns, usually with purplish tinge in forewings and patches of contrasting ashen scales. Mimics dead fern fronds. Found all year. Can be disturbed by day. Attracted to light at night.
Forewing Length
7.5-12mm
Range
North Island.
Habitat
Native forest.