Showy Holomelina
Common NameShowy Holomelina
Scientific NameHolomelina ostenta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsorange-brown, black, red
HabitatWoodlands, open forests, fields, and areas with lichens and mosses
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantslichens, mosses, low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are hairy and feed primarily on lichens and mosses.
Identification TipsKey features include the contrast between the dull orange-brown forewings and the black hindwings with their prominent red/orange costal stripe. Red markings on the head and thorax are also distinctive.
Description
A small moth with dull orange-brown forewings and striking black hindwings marked with a broad red or orange stripe along the costal margin. The body is dark with red/orange markings.
