Common Idia Moth
Common NameCommon Idia Moth
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi, lichens
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter. They typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and grey cryptic pattern with wavy transverse lines and the characteristic long, upturned labial palps typical of snout moths (Herminiinae). Faint yellowish spots on the forewings are also a key feature.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring distinct wavy dark lines and faint, often yellowish, orbicular and reniform spots. The hindwings are similar but paler.
