Orange Virbia Moth
Common NameOrange Virbia Moth
Scientific NameVirbia aurantiaca
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatWoodlands, open forests, fields, meadows
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southeastern Canada south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantslichens, mosses, low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are generalist feeders, primarily consuming lichens and mosses. They typically overwinter as larvae before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the combination of dull brown forewings and vibrant orange hindwings with a distinct black terminal band. Males often exhibit brighter orange hindwings than females.
Description
A small moth characterized by dull brown forewings that contrast sharply with bright orange hindwings, which feature a prominent broad black band along the outer margin.
