This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in the southern parts of the North Island, in Rangitikei and Wellington, and in the east of the South Island, in the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikōura, Mid and South Canterbury.

[3] The species was first collected by Stella Hudson at Upper Hutt in Wellington and was mentioned in George Hudson's 1939 publication A supplement to the butterflies and moths of New Zealand under the name Hierodoris frigida.

[3] This species is similar in appearance to its close relatives Hierodoris polita and H.

[3] It can be distinguished from H. polita as H. torrida doesn't have the white forewing fascia, nor is it as yellow as H.

[3] This moth is classified under the New Zealand Threat Classification system as being "At Risk, Relict".