An abundant species, tolerant of human environments, found in caves, grykes, gold and coal adits, under piled houses, in underground watertanks and many other dark sites. It is present in a variety of forest types. Its marbled brown and light brown, especially the bands on the legs is in sharp contrast to the relatively uniform brown of the uncommon co-inhabitant of caves, Macropathus filifer. There has been much confusion concerning these two species and descriptions of P. edwardsii are given under the name of M. filifer. Found through coastal Nelson, Marlborough and at least the southern part of the North Island.