Sooty Idia
Common NameSooty Idia
Scientific NameIdia calvaria
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark gray, black, white, yellowish-tan
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, near deciduous trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter. The species overwinters as a larva, pupating in a cocoon among leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its overall dark, mottled appearance with wavy lines, prominent snout-like palps, and often yellowish or tan patches on the forewings. It is generally darker and more contrastingly marked than some other *Idia* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a mottled appearance, featuring a mix of dark gray, black, and white scales, often with yellowish or tan patches and distinct wavy lines on the forewings.
