This species was first described in 1989 by Hans Donner and Christopher Wilkinson using a variety of specimens.

[2] The male holotype specimen was collected at Golden Bay, Stewart Island by Morris Netterville Watt and emerged mid November 1959.

Forewing about 4 mm long, grey-brown, iridescent, reflecting gold, with an indistinct dark medial spot; terminal quarter darker; terminal scales overlapping the brown-grey fringe.

[2]The female of the species was described as follows: As for male, but forewing with contrasting areas submedially and antemedially, these varying in size and colour fτom shining white and covering major part of wing to pale brown, obscure patches.

Adults have been recorded as being on the wing in January, February, November and December.