Microdes epicryptis

The larvae of this species has been described as being approximately 1⁄2 an inch in length when fully grown and is pale ochreous in colour, with a series of dark brown V-shaped markings along its back. The larvae are said to be challenging to see when resting on the flower spike of its host plants as both the colouration and markings of the larvae of this species provide excellent camouflage. Meyrick described the adults of this species as follows:

♂ ♀ 21-22 mm. Head and thorax whitish-ochreous. Palpi 6, whitish-ochreous sprinkled with dark fuscous. Forewings with costa strongly arched, termen unevenly bowed, very oblique ; whitish-ochreous, more whitish on dorsal half, somewhat deeper and sometimes infuscated towards costa, with some scattered black scales ; a median longitudinal streak of clear pale ground-colour ; second line indicated by a strongly curved series of black dots on veins: cilia ochreous-whitish. Hindwings considerably narrowed ; ochreous-grey-whitish; in ♂ with area of cell depressed, and a costal streak of modified blackish scales from near base to beyond middle. M. epicryptis has been confused with Antiscopa elaphra known as Scoparia elaphra. The species in the Antipodes Islands is smaller and has forewings that are narrower and pointier than mainland specimens.

This species is endemic to New Zealand. This species if found in the North, South, Stewart, Chatham and the Antipodes Islands.

The adults of the species are on the wing from September to March. They are nocturnal and are attracted to light.

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