Macromoths of Northwest Forests and Woodlands
Idia americalis [Noctuidae]
Wingspan 3.1 cm. Forewing is pale gray-white with narrow jagged black bands. This noctuid is widely distributed in western North America, common in wet conifer forests in the Pacific West. Moths fly in midsummer. Caterpillars feed on lichens and dead foliage.
Similar species: many species have this general appearance, at least eight species of Idia are still poorly known in western North America and several more are undescribed; additionally, species in twelve other genera of Noctuidae are characterized by being small brown moths, including Hemeroplanis, Spargaloma, Zanclognatha, Chytolita, and Bleptina.
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