Long-horned Owlet
Common NameLong-horned Owlet
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter. They typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown wings with wavy lines, the small white discal spot, and the notably long, 'horn-like' palps projecting from the head.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, featuring dark, wavy transverse lines and a small, distinct white discal spot on each wing. It possesses prominent, long, forward-projecting palps.
