This species was first described in 1863 by Francis Walker using material collected in either Hawkes Bay or Taupo by William Colenso and named Fidonia perornata.

Palpi lanceolate, very pilose, as long as the breadth of the head; third joint conical, minute.

[10] The female moth lays her eggs within the flower buds of their host plant.

[13] When the larvae emerge from their eggs, they eat into the leaves or buds of their host, hiding from predators.

[13] N. perornata has two generations each year with adults on the wing in the months of October to November and March to April.

[13] They are low but fast flyers and constantly vibrate their wings to enable them to take off rapidly.