It is only known from two nearby locations in the Torricelli Mountains: Mount Somoro (type locality) and from the village of Wilbeite.

[1][2][3] The specific name aquilonia is a Latin adjective meaning "northern" and refers to the range of this species in the north coast mountains of New Guinea.

[2] Austrochaperina aquilonia is only known from two specimens, both adult males: the holotype (collected by Jared Diamond) measuring 31 mm (1.2 in) in snout–vent length, and the paratype (collected by Tim Flannery) measuring 23 mm (0.91 in).

The dorsum is pale graybrown with darker brown irregular spotting and mottling.

[2] Habitat data are missing[2] but Austrochaperina aquilonia is believed to be a forest inhabitant.