AMERICAN IDIA
Idia americalis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Erebidae)
Description
The American Idia moth has a wingspan of .75 to 1.25 inches. The forewing is pale gray with squiggly black lines that form black patches on the costa. The orbicular and reniform spots are rusty brown. The hindwing is gray with 3 black lines. The caterpillar is brown with some dark brown spots and sparse white hairs on the lower sides. The head is black. The proleg on abdominal segment 3 is missing.
Occurrence
This moth is probably common in fall. It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early October 2014. Adults frequent lights at night.
Comments
The larvae eat lichens and dead leaves. The American Idia is in the Litter Moths (Herminiinae) subfamily.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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