[2][3][4] This wasp orchid is similar to C. seminuda which has a callus covering only about two-thirds of the labellum.

It is also similar to C. reflexa but has longer lateral sepals and a smaller "head" on the ant-like callus.

[4][5] Chiloglottis trilabra was first formally described in 1883 by Robert D. FitzGerald and the description was published in Journal of Botany, British and Foreign from a specimen "obtained on Mount York in the Blue Mountains".

[8]: 487  The type specimen happened to be an aberrant form having two extra labellums in place of two lateral sepals.

[5][9] The long-clubbed wasp orchid is widespread in moist parts of forest, mainly on the ranges in New South Wales.