The genus Taenarthrus, for which this is the type species, is related to others in South America. Most are in the very south of South America, New Zealand and Australia, but two species get into the tropics, in Ecuador and Australia.

Presently known only from the subalpine, almost bog-like subalpine shrub vegetation at the top of the Hump Ridge (950-1050 m) in Fiordland. There it is found under the exposed rocks. (see also Taenarthrus capito and Amarotypus edwardsii).