Small Angle-Wing Moth
Common NameSmall Angle-Wing Moth
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorslight brown, tan, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, gardens, areas with abundant leaf litter
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada 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 NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi, and lichens. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in cocoons among leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the angled outer margin of the forewings, the light brown base color, and the characteristic dark V-shaped marking near the tornus. Long, upturned labial palps (snout) are also typical for this genus.
Description
This small moth has light brown to tan forewings with a distinctive angled outer margin. It features a few small dark spots and a prominent, often V-shaped, dark brown marking near the inner angle of the forewing.
