Smoky Idia Moth
Common NameSmoky Idia Moth
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter rather than live plants. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark, mottled brown wings with wavy pale lines and the prominent, upturned labial palps. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend with bark or leaf litter.
Description
A small, dark brown moth with mottled wings featuring wavy pale lines and a series of small pale spots along the outer margin. Its long, upturned labial palps are distinctive.
