Larvae of this species build small protective cases in which they hide and from which they feed.

This species was first described by Charles E. Clarke in 1926 using specimens collected at Kauri Gully, Auckland in January and named Mallobathra nocturna.

[4] The male holotype specimen is held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

[3][5] Clarke stated that he collected the type specimen during the day by beating brushwood.

He also explained that he subsequently collected this species in the early morning when the air was extremely moist.