Diuris protena, commonly known as northern golden moths,[2] is a species of orchid which is endemic to Victoria.

The flowers are pale yellow with a few light brown markings at the base of the dorsal sepal and labellum.

[5] The specific epithet (protena) is a Latin word meaning "before" or "forward",[6] referring to the early flowering of this orchid.

[citation needed] Almost all of the orchid’s habitat has been cleared for farming, with remaining sites threatened by weed infestation.

[citation needed] The species is listed as endangered under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.