Izatha mesoschista

This species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1931^[1] using seven specimens collected by George Hudson in Wellington during the months of December and January.^[2] Hudson discussed and illustrated the species in his 1928 work The butterflies and moths of New Zealand under the name Izatha balanophora^[3] but later corrected his taxonomic error in 1939.^[4]

The larva of this species has not been described.^[5]

The adult moth has a wingspan of 15.5–21 mm for males and 17–25 mm for females.^[5] Adults are on wing from October to February.^[5]

The appearance of the adult moths of this species is variable and as a result it was originally confused with Izatha balanophora.^[5] However it can be distinguished from this species as I. mesoschista has a bold black line in the middle of the disk on its forewings.^[2] This line also assists in distinguishing I. mesoschista from Izatha epiphanes.^[5] Other than using their collection location as a guide, it is difficult to distinguish between I. mesoschista and Izatha haumu.^[6] I. haumu is found at the top of the North Island and I. mesochista is present south of this locality, over the rest of the North Island.^[7] However a male I. mesoschista can be distinguished from both I. haumu and I. epiphanes by the species characteristic three pronged tip of its genitalia.^[5]

I. mesoschista is endemic to New Zealand.^[8][9] This species has been found throughout the North Island, except the Aupouri Peninsula, Hawkes Bay or the Wairarapa.^[5] It is regarded as one of the most common and widespread species in the genus Izatha to be found in the North Island.^[5]