Tingena basella

The eggs of this species can be deposited either singly or alternatively in egg masses. Hudson described the eggs as follows:

sub-cylindrical, much flattened, often partially collapsed, with rows of extremely indistinct hexagonal depressions; dull white with faint iridescent reflections. Walker described the adult male of the species as follows:

Male. Cupreous-brown. Antennae minutely pubescent, less than half the length of the fore wings. Fore wings rounded at the tips, with a short broad pale yellow streak along the basal part of the interior border; exterior border very oblique. Length of the body 4 lines; of the wings 12 lines.In comparison to its close relatives this species is larger and is variable in appearance. The male of the species sometimes has forewings that are greyish brown or alternatively can be coloured a warm brown with tinges of yellow. The hindwings are also variable in appearance with the depth of grey varying. The female of the species has brown mottled forewings thought the depth of this mottling can vary and in some cases may be almost absent.

This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed in the Coromandel, Kaitoke, Wellington, Ōtira River, Christchurch, Blue Cliff, and Invercargill.

The adults of this species are on the wing from October through to the middle of December. The wings of this species are easily worn. This species drops to the ground when disturbed and can be difficult to locate as a result of its colouring. The male, when it does fly, is made inconspicuous as a result of its dark colouring. The adult female of the species is a reluctant flyer. Hudson has stated that he had collected numerous specimens of both sexes amongst the flowers of Brachyglotis repanda.