[2] Upon return to the United Kingdom, the species was described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1755, who used the name Callidium variegatum.

[5] The holotype of the species was deposited in John George Children's collection of beetles in London, but has since been lost.

[5] The two original descriptions by Fabricius and Newman identified the species as being a native of Australia, which was incorrect.

[1] Known host species of the beetle include Beilschmiedia tawa, Sophora microphylla and Sophora tetraptera, as well as introduced species, including Acacia dealbata, Acacia decurrens, Acacia mearnsii, Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) and Paraserianthes lophantha.

[6][7] Adults of the species are typically found flying between November and April in New Zealand.