Most species of this genus, including Taenarthrus capito dwell among the rocks beside clean, cold, fast flowing streams at relatively high altitudes close to the tree line or above. Several are found in rock screes that have free flowing water within and at least one species has been found close to glacial water within metres of the glacier. In the very south of New Zealand at least two species are at lower altitudes, again close to cold water. One is also in or close to wave exposed rocky/stony shores.