Tinea aetherea is a species of moth in the family Tineidae.[1] It was described by Charles E. Clarke in 1926.[2] However the placement of this species within the genus Tinea is in doubt.[3] As a result, this species has been referred to as Tinea (s.l.) aetherea. This species is endemic to New Zealand.
The wingspan is 9–10 mm. The forewings are purplish fuscous with grey-ochreous markings. The hindwings are purplish grey with a dark-fuscous subbasal shade.[4]