Inscribed Tuft-Moth
Common NameInscribed Tuft-Moth
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, fields
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
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 other decaying plant matter. Adults are nocturnal and are commonly attracted to lights.
Identification TipsLook for the overall cryptic pattern of browns and grays, the wavy antemedial and postmedial lines, and the dark reniform spot on the forewings. The long, upturned labial palps are also characteristic of the Herminiinae subfamily.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown, gray, and whitish forewings featuring wavy lines and a distinctive dark reniform spot. Its overall appearance provides excellent camouflage against bark or leaf litter.
