It is commonly found in moist forests in North America, ranging from southern Canada to Florida and Texas.

The American idia has forewings that range in color from grey to beige or light brown, darker toward the outer margin of the wing, with darker scalloped lines crossing the wings laterally.

All have a small bronze or brown spot located near the edge of the forewing.

[3] It can be differentiated from similar species, such as the common idia, by a row of dark marks located on the anterior forewing.

[4] Idia americalis specimen may be mistaken for a small geometrid moth.