[2] In 1928 George Hudson discussed and illustrated this species in his book The butterflies and moths of New Zealand.

Abdomen grey, lateral claspers and supraanal projection longer and narrower than in caustica.

Forewings ovate-lanceolate, less acute than in caustica, stalk of 7 and 8 extremely short; deep purple, irregularly mixed with coppery-golden, darker and bluish on costa; four subquadrate ochreous-whitish spots on costa between base and 3⁄4, larger anteriorly, and a dot towards apex: cilia grey-whitish, with several dark grey bars.

Hindwings violet-grey, darker towards apex; cilia grey-whitish, on costa barred with grey suffusion.

[1] Adults are known to fly close to the ground and prefer well lit damp mossy habitats.

[7] Hudson observed that adults of this species had been seen on bare ground under trees such as Dacrycarpus dacrydioides.