Costate Virbia
Common NameCostate Virbia
Scientific NameVirbia costata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, tan, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, and west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'woolly bears' that feed on low-growing herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dull orange-tan forewings contrasting with brighter orange hindwings, and a dark head and thorax. It lacks prominent spots or patterns on the wings.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with dull orange-tan forewings and brighter orange hindwings, often visible at rest. The head and thorax are dark brown to black.
