Izatha spheniscella

This species was first described by Robert J. B. Hoare in 2010.[1] The species epithet is a female diminutive of Spheniscus, a penguin, and refers to the female moth's brachyptery and to the rocky subantarctic island habitat.[2] The holotype specimen is held at the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.[2]

The wingspan of the adult moth is 14–15 mm for males and about 14 mm for females.[2] The only species that I. spheniscella may be confused with is I. oleariae as this is the only related species that also inhabits the Snares Islands.[2] However the two species are easily distinguished as the male I. spheniscella is shorter winged and is darker in appearance.[2] The female I. spheniscella is even more distinct as it is brachypterous where as the female I. oleariae is full winged.[2]

This species is endemic to New Zealand.[1] It is only found on the Snares Islands.[2]

Little is known of the biology of this species.[2] Pupae have been found amongst green algae, the presumed larval host plant, on an overhanging granite rock on Rima Islet, part of the Western Chain of the Snares.[2] The male paratype from Alert Stack was found amongst crustose lichens, suggesting these may also be fed on by larvae.[2] The larvae of this species is unknown.[2] Adults have been recorded on the wing in December and February.[2]

This species has been classified as having the "At Risk, Naturally Uncommon" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[3]