Leuroperna sera

The wingspan of the adult is 10 millimetres (0.39 in). Similar to sympatric moth Plutella xylostella, but can be distinguished by much broader wings and genitalia. The caterpillar is about 10 mm in maximum length. Head with numerous blackish-brown dots. Body green to yellowish tinged with a slender red or pale red dorsal, subdorsal, supraspiracular, subspiracular, and basal lines. Pupa very similar to above mentioned species, but with a pair of hooked setae and maxilla is always shorter than the mid-leg. Pupation is in an open net-like white cocoon on leaf underside. Caterpillars of the two species co-exist in the crop plants.

In New Zealand this species is regarded as a self-introduced resident and is found in the North Island and in the South Island down to Canterbury. It is regarded as relatively common.

Adults of this species can be observed on the wing all year round in the North Island of New Zealand but tend to be restricted to the summer months in the South Island. They are nocturnal and are attracted to light. When at rest adults hold their antennae in a forward v-shaped position.