Tawny Virbia Moth
Common NameTawny Virbia Moth
Scientific NameVirbia aurantiaca
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are hairy caterpillars that feed on low-growing plants and typically overwinter before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the combination of its tawny forewings and vibrant orange hindwings, which are often exposed. The overall color is a key identifier.
Description
A small moth characterized by its tawny orange-brown forewings and contrasting bright orange hindwings, which are often visible even when at rest. The body is also a similar tawny color.
