The collection of elytra, heads and other body parts in seven cave deposits produced by the extinct laughing owl show it was once widespread and common.

[4] Larvae of other members of the Aterpini tribe are mostly associated with live wood, boring into stems, leaf bases and roots.

[5] This species had its conservation status upgraded to nationally critical in 2012 due to it being found in low numbers in one location.

[9] The chances of a large, flightless and nocturnal beetle moving from one ngaio tree to another past numerous tuatara and surviving predation is low.

[2] It is protected under Schedule 7 of The 1953 Wildlife Act, making it an offense to collect, possess or harm a specimen.