Pale-winged Idia Moth
Common NamePale-winged Idia Moth
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black, orange
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, gardens, often near deciduous trees.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba.
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi, lichens
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi, and lichens. The species overwinters as a larva, and pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and gray forewings with distinct wavy dark lines and a small orange-brown reniform spot. The paler hindwings are a key feature, distinguishing it from similar species.
Description
This is a small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and gray forewings, characterized by prominent dark, wavy transverse lines and often a small orange-brown reniform spot. Its hindwings are noticeably paler than the forewings.
