This species is rarely noticed as it is very small and as a result does not tend to attract attention when on the wing.

This species was first described in 1989 by Hans Donner and Christopher Wilkinson from specimens collected in the Auckland, Rangitiikei, Mid Canterbury, Mackenzie, Fiordland and Otago regions.

The male holotype specimen, collected at Te Rau-o-te-Huia / Mount Donald McLean in the Waitākere Ranges, Auckland, emerged 17 August 1976 "ex Hoheria populnea", by J. S.

Forewing 3-4 mm long, brown, lustrous, reflecting gold, with a small spot at dorsum medially varying from clearly present to almost absent; fringe grey.

[2]They described the female as follows: As for male, but forewing 4 mm long, brown, iridescent, reflecting purple, with anal half white for three-quarters of length.

[2] The species is rarely noticed as the adults are very small and as a result does not tend to attract attention.