A moderately common species in the Nothofagus forests and shrublands of Mid and North Canterbury. Rarely seen in urban habitats. A clinally variable species which suggests that there is little gene exchange between the populations. The clines appear to be centred in North Canterbury foothills and radiate from there down to the Rakaia River, across to the Motunau area, and up towards the Waiau Valley and Hanmer Springs. It does not occur on Banks Peninsula where an undescribed species resides. A similar species, Pseudoprionopeltis grassator is known only from one site in the Kowhai River valley, Kaikoura..