It is similar in appearance to its close relative Izatha gekkonella but is slightly larger and more white/grey in appearance and is more wide spread in geographic range than its close relative.

[1][2] Walker based his description on specimens collected in Nelson by Mr Oxley.

[3] Generally I. convulsella is slightly larger than I. gekkonella and has fewer yellow-tipped grey scales and so has a more white and grey appearance in comparison to the I. gokkonella which, as a result of having a larger quantity of these scales, has a more brownish appearance.

[3] Larvae have been recorded living under the bark of Dacrydium cupressinum.

[3] The true food plant may be lichens growing on the bark.