This species was first described in 1883 by Edward Meyrick using specimens collected by Castle Hill in Canterbury by J. D. Enys and named Larentia prasinias.

[5] George Hudson discussed the species in his 1898 volume New Zealand moths and butterflies and referred to it as Xanthorhoe prasinias.

Forewings moderate, hindmargin slightly sinuate; bright yellow; numerous cloudy confused dentate brownish striae; a moderately broad rather dark fuscous median band, including a large ill defined clear yellow patch on upper half, containing a black dot; its margins dentate, anterior margin concave, posterior margin moderately angulated in middle, sinuate above; a subterminal row of small dark fuscous spots; cilia yellow, barred with dark fuscous.

[5]The appearance of this species can vary in the depth of ground colour, as well as the width of the transverse lines, on the forewings.

[6][7] Although found in subalpine habitat, in the extreme south of the country, it can be observed in low land situations.