This species was described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1939 using material collected by George Howes at Bold Peak, Humboldt Range.

[3] The holotype specimen of this species is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

[4][5] It is found in West Otago localities in the high alpine zone of mountain ranges.

[2] Adult moths, when settled, continue to vibrate their wings ensuring they are immediately ready to take off should they be disturbed.

[8] When resting for long periods they adopt the posture of holding their wings together above their body.