This species is classified as "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" by the Department of Conservation.

This species was described by George Howes and named Morrisonia pansicolor in 1912 from specimens collected in Dunedin in November.

[3] George Hudson, using the same name, described and illustrated this species in his 1928 book The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand.

[5] The lectotype specimen is held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Abdomen ochreous, in ♀︎ dotted with minute dark specks, ochreous-rufous in ♂︎, with strong crests, especially the anal.

Hindwings ochreous, centre of wing clouded with rufous brown.

[9] This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.