It is found in Tasmania (Australia), where it grows at high elevations on the twigs and young branches of alpine shrubs.

[2] It usually tightly encircles twigs and young branches of alpine shrubs such as Orites, Nothofagus, Epacris, Tasmannia and Richea.

The expected results of standard chemical spot tests on the medulla are K+ (yellow), P+ (orange), C−, and KC−.

[1] The name Menegazzia testacea refers to New Zealand populations; in addition to its distribution, this species differs from M. subtestacea in that it contains hypostictic, hyposalazinic and hypoconstictic acids.

[1] Menegazzia subtestacea is mostly corticolous, although rarely, the lichen has been recorded forming rosettes on rock.