Erechthias chionodira is a species of moth of the family Tineidae. It was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1880. This species is endemic to New Zealand and has been observed on both the North and South Islands. E. chionodira inhabits native forest. Larvae likely feed on dead plant debris or on the tough leaves of plants such as flax. Adults are on the wing from September until February. During the day they can be seen at rest on tree trunks or fences. Adults are attracted to light.
This was first described by Edward Meyrick in 1880 using two specimens obtained at the Auckland Domain in Auckland on a shady bank amongst forest in January. In 1915 Meyrick placed this species in the genus Hectacma. In 1927 Philpott studied and illustrated the male genitalia of this species. George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand under that name. In 1988 John S. Dugdale synonymised Hectacma with the genus Erechthias and thus this species returned to the name Erechthias chasmatias. The male lectotype is held at the Natural History Museum, London.
The adult of this species was described by Meyrick as follows: This species varies considerably in size.
This species is endemic to New Zealand. It has been observed in the North IsIand and west coast of the South Island.
This species inhabits native forest. Larvae of species in the genus Erechthias feed on dead plant debris or the tough leaves of plants such as palms or flax.
Adults are on the wing from September until February. During the day they can be observed resting on tree trunks or fences where their colouration provides surprisingly good camouflage. At night this moth is attracted to light.