Yellow-lined Chocolate Moth
Common NameYellow-lined Chocolate Moth
Scientific NameIdia aemula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas, fields
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsdead leaves, detritus, fungi
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on dead leaves, detritus, and fungi, indicating a scavenger lifestyle. The moth undergoes complete metamorphosis, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its characteristic triangular resting posture, the overall brown coloration, and the prominent, often slightly wavy, yellow or orange line crossing the forewings.
Description
This small moth has a triangular shape when at rest, with mottled brown forewings featuring a distinct, slightly wavy yellow or orange postmedial line.
