[2] The male holotype specimen was collected by Hoare, G. Hall, and T. Sirey in December on Whakapapanui Track in the Tongariro National Park at an altitude of 1000 m.[2] This specimen is held in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection.

[2] This species is named in honour of Alan and Kath Emmerson.

[2] It is visually similar to I. similis but can be distinguished as I. emmersonorum has wider and darker coloured forewing with a less distinct kidney mark.

[2] I. emmersonorum also has more distinct black lines along the veins of the forewing.

[3] This species has only been collected in the North Island Volcanic Plateau.