Rusty Virbia Moth
Common NameRusty Virbia Moth
Scientific NameVirbia ferruginosa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'woolly bear' caterpillars, typically dark and hairy, feeding on a variety of low-growing herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae or pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall rusty orange coloration. Some individuals may have faint dark spots on the hindwings, though these can be absent or more pronounced.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth characterized by its uniform rusty orange-brown forewings and hindwings. The body is also similarly colored.
