Musotima nitidalis

Description

Musotima nitidalis is a species of moth of the Crambidae family described by Francis Walker in 1866. It is known from New Zealand and most of Australia, including Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Adults are brown with various white markings outlined in black on each forewing. The larvae feed on the undersides of the leaves of various Polypodiophyta species, including Adiantum aethiopicum and Pteridium esculentum. They live in a sparse web. They are pale green with a transparent skin. Pupation takes place in a folded leaf of the food plant, held by strands of white silk.