The northern tree weta has habits very similar to that of Hemideina crassidens. It is also tolerant of urban conditions. It is common from at least northwards from a line through Taranaki, Taupo to East Cape, thence to Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the far north. It has a patchy distribution south of this line.
It may occur relatively close to Hemideina crassidens from which it may be distinguished by its spotty colour pattern and the dark hind legs.