[3] The adults of this species were originally described by White as follows: Deep brown; the thorax with two longitudinal bands of a lighter colour near the side; elytra above with five rows of hairs, on each side of which is a row of very deep punctures, between every two of which is a smoothish ridge; across the elytra are two obscure, dark brown bands; legs black, femora above at the end with a spot of yellowish brown hairs; abdomen beneath with the last segment having two tufts of hair.

[3]This large weevil has a deep brown colour with two lighter bands near the side of its thorax.

In female specimens the antennae are inserted halfway along the rostrum and nearer the front in males.

[1] This species varies greatly in size, colour, and in the amount and nature of its hair-like scales.

Larvae tunnel into dead trunks and branches of southern beeches, rimu and Dracophyllum traversii.