Plain Box-Owlet
Common NamePlain Box-Owlet
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, pale brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi, lichens
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant material. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a cocoon among leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown forewings with two prominent, wavy, pale transverse lines. The lines are often slightly irregular or jagged, and the moth has a somewhat 'boxy' appearance when at rest.
Description
This moth has dark brown forewings prominently marked with two distinct, wavy, pale cream to white transverse lines. The hindwings are a lighter brown with a faint pale line.
