Virbia medarda
Common NameVirbia medarda
Scientific NameVirbia medarda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsdark brown, yellow, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, and tropical lowlands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (e.g., Florida, Texas), Central America, and South America
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically hairy caterpillars that feed on low-growing plants before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the strong contrast between its dark forewings and vibrant yellow hindwings, visible when at rest or in flight. Yellow banding on the abdomen is also a key feature.
Description
A small moth characterized by dark brown forewings and bright yellow hindwings with dark margins. Its body is dark with prominent yellow bands on the abdomen.
