Forbes' Idia Moth
Common NameForbes' Idia Moth
Scientific NameIdia forbesii
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, fungi, decaying plant matter
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves, fungi, and decaying plant matter. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, mottled appearance, relatively small size, and prominently long, porrect labial palps. The forewing pattern can be variable but typically includes faint reniform and orbicular spots and wavy transverse lines.
Description
A small, dark brown to blackish moth with mottled forewings featuring faint darker lines and pale patches, and long, forward-projecting labial palps.
