This species was described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1939 using material collected at The Obelisk in the Old Man Range / Kopuwai in Otago by George Howes.

[2][3] In 1986 Robin C. Craw reviewed the genus Notoreas and confirmed the inclusion of N. chioneres within it.

[4] The holotype specimen is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

[6] 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.