[4] Like all of New Zealand sub-alpine and alpine grasshoppers Sigaus villosus has a 3 or 4 year life cycle.

Sigaus villosus is known from the central mountains of the South Island, with the largest population on the Craigieburn Range.

The black eye grasshopper is a truly high alpine species, as it prefers open bare rocky screes between 1,900–2,100 metres (6,200–6,900 ft) in elevation.

[5][6] In the past, it could be found down as low as 1,320 metres (4,330 ft) at the Porters Ski Area at the bottom of long open screes (43°16′23″S 171°38′32″E / 43.27295483°S 171.64224886°E / -43.27295483; 171.64224886).

[7] With global warming Sigaus villosus is expected to lose between 20% and 95% of its distribution.