Common Idia

Idia aemula

October 7, 2002

In Greek Mythology, Hermes (aka Mercury) was the god who brought souls to and from Hades. He carried a staff called the caduceus.  It was a rod with the two snakes of wisdom wrapped around it. The snakes represent the two main channels of spiritual energy which wrap around our spine. They are the Idia (female), and Pingala (male).   Where these snakes cross are the seven chakras.

I am thinking that this female nadis (channel of spiritual energy) is what this genus is named for.

As for the mortal moths that bear this name, they're small erebidae.  The caterpillars of I. aemula (aemula - latin for "like" or "imitating") eat dead leaves.  They are regulars in the late summer season to the lights and sugar bait.