Although similar to H. iophanes this species can be distinguished as H. frigida has white bands on its forewings and the metallic coloured areas differ in placement.

It prefers open and shrubland habitats and adult moths have been observed flying close to the soil underneath Leptospermum scrub.

Abdomen fuscous-black densely irrorated with shining golden scales, segmental divisions grey, anal tuft fuscous mixed with greyish-white.

[2]Although similar to H. iophanes this species can be distinguished as H. frigida has white bands on its forewings and the metallic coloured areas differ in placement.

[1] This species is on the wing during the day and has been observed flying close to the soil underneath Leptospermum scrub.