[2] This species is endemic to New Zealand and can be found from the Bay of Plenty south including the Chatham Islands.

Larvae likely feed on a variety of low growing herbaceous plants including on Raoulia species.

Pupa are enclosed in a loose silken cocoons and are sheltered amongst the host species roots.

[4] Rudolf Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer also described this species, thinking it new, in 1875 and named it Mamestra griseipennis.

Palpi slightly ascending, extending a little beyond the head; second joint densely pilose; third elongate-conical, not more than one-third of the length of the second.

Abdomen of the male extending rather beyond the hind wings; apical tuft subquadrate.

[1] However I. moderata larvae are recorded as being associated with Raoulia particularly the species R. australis, R. subulata and R. beauverdii as well as Crassula manaia.

[1] Larvae create tunnels lined with silk amongst the roots of the species' host plants.