Pacific Northwest Moths

Identification

Adults

Idia americalis is our most common and widespread member of the Idia genus. It is a small moth (FW length 9 - 14 mm). The forewings are dull, medium-gray and reddish-brown to dark brown, darkest toward the outer margin. Occasional melanic specimens are dark gray and brown. The irregular basal, antemedial, and postmedial lines are darkest at the costa, producing a series of dark bars across the anterior wing margin, and have a light component that is most evident in dark individuals. The widened postmedial line is fused with the median shade at the costa. A dark terminal line is present at the base of the weakly checkered fringe. The subterminal line is pale, but is preceded by dark shading that is wide and black at the costa. The reniform spot is very light gray, but is filled and surrounded by ochre yellow and light red-brown. The hindwing is lighter gray than the forewing with several dark and light lines. The male antennae is biciliate; that of the female is simple.

This species can be told from our other Idia species by the row of rectangular black spots at the transverse lines along the anterior forewing.

Most specimens from west of the Cascade Mountains are smaller, paler, and more reddish brown than those from elsewhere in North America. Occasional typical specimens are found west of the mountains. This suggests that more than one species could be present in our region. No genitalic differences have been found between these morphs (Jim Troubridge, personal communication) and we treat them as forms of the same species.

Habitat

This species is common and widely distributed in moist forests throughout much of North America.  In the Pacific Northwest, it is common in coastal rainforests, mixed hardwood forests at low elevations west of the Cascades, and in mixed hardwood-conifer forests at higher elevations in both the Cascades and Rocky Mountains.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

Idia americalis is found in forests throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is most common in western Oregon and Washington.

Global

This species is widely distributed in North America. It is common and widespread in the East.

Life History

Larvae

This species feeds on both lichens and dead leaves, and may be a detritivore in ant nests as well.

Adults

Idia americalis has a long flight season, with records from late May until late September. It is nocturnal and comes to light and sugar baits.

Economic Importance

None.

Literature

BugGuide

Covell (1984)

Crumb (1956)

Forbes (1954)

Moth Photographers Group

Powell & Opler (2009)