Idalus critheis
Common NameIdalus critheis
Scientific NameIdalus critheis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorspale yellow, white, black, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical rainforests, humid forests
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates, often more active during wet seasons
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs hatch into hairy caterpillars, which then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of translucent pale wings with minimal black spotting, and the distinctive bright red/orange abdomen with black spots, which helps distinguish it from similar species in its range.
Description
This medium-sized moth features translucent, pale yellowish-white wings often adorned with small black spots. Its most striking feature is a bright red or orange abdomen marked with prominent black spots or bands.
