[1] The species was identified by Wise in 1962, based on a specimen collected by a light trap in Titirangi, Auckland, in 1952.

[2] Wise's original text (the type description) reads as follows: A species darker than P. puerilis McL.

Anterior wings dark chocolate brown with creamy yellow markings.

Two short inner processes of upper penis cover are widest at the obliquely truncate apex, in lateral view.

Outer process with a broad lateral portion and with a long narrow spine arising above.