This preferred habitat of H. cryptica is native forest and scrub at altitudes ranging from lowland to subalpine.

Upper side fore- and hind wing coloration and pattern very variable ranging from reddish, green and brown to creamy white and blackish brown with wavy transverse black and white lines.

[3]The genitalia of the adults of this species make it easily distinguishable from its close relative H.

[3] The distribution of the two species can help inform identification as H. cryozeucta is found in the North Island and the upper parts of the South Island while H. cryptica is restricted to Mid Canterbury south.

[3] The larvae of this species have been found on Melicytus alpinus likely feeding on perched dead leaves.