Philocryptica

Philocryptica is a monotypic genus of moths belonging to the subfamily Tortricinae of the family Tortricidae. It contains only one species, Philocryptica polypodii, the leather-leaf star-miner, which is endemic to New Zealand. This species has been recorded in both the North Island and the South Island, as far south as Banks Peninsula. The preferred habitat of this species is native forest where its larval host plant is present. The larvae feed on Pyrrosia eleagnifolia, mining the leaves. P. polypodii pupates within the final blotch-mine. Adults are on the wing in November and December and are attracted to light.