Orange-striped Footman
Common NameOrange-striped Footman
Scientific NameIlema costalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorsgrey-brown, dark brown, orange
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas)
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are lichen feeders, often camouflaged to blend with their food source, and pupate in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown forewings with dark patches and the characteristic orange stripe along the leading edge (costa). Males have strongly bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey-brown and dark brown forewings, typically featuring a prominent orange stripe along the costal margin. Males have distinctive feathery antennae.
