The smallest tiger beetle in NZ and is moderately common in the drier, eastern side of the South Island. It is distinctly narrower in body shape relative to other species. Its habitat is also different as it is most common in the exposed spaces between shrubs in the native "grey shrubbery" such as matagouri, Cassinia, various tussocks and others where it runs over the leaf litter. However, it is also present in some relatively undisturbed gardens