Larvae likely feed on foliose liverworts and have been found on species in the genus Plagiochila.

The adult moths live in a range of habitats preferring sunny open spaces in forests or snow-tussock grasslands that can range in altitude from near sea level up to 1,230 m. This species is very similar in appearance to Sabatinca aemula and dissection of genitalia is required to distinguish between the two species.

[1] Gibbs argued that Meyrick's justification for the separation of the taxa was incorrect as although specimens collected at higher altitudes had shorter, narrower wings there was no difference in genitalia nor was Meyrick's separation able to be justified through the bar-coding of the CO1 gene.

Forewings ovate-lanceolate, costa abruptly bent near base, thence moderately arched, apex acute, hindmargin very oblique, slightly sinuate; shining golden-ochreous; markings very indistinct, shining ochreous-whitish; a very irregular fascia before middle, a second at ⁠1/3⁠, both often interrupted, and a series of several small spots along hindmargin and apical portion of costa; a dark fuscous dot in disc before middle, sometimes obsolete : cilia pale shining golden-ochreous.

chrysargyra specimens collected at higher altitudes have wings that are narrower and shorter.

[1] It can be found at a wide range of altitudes from sea level up to 1,230 m.[1] This species is on the wing from the beginning of October until the middle of January.