Painted Lichen moth lying on a rock.

Painted Lichen Moth

Painted Lichen Moths are orange and black, a classic warning color combination for would-be predators. They somewhat resemble Lightening Bugs, which are also toxic to eat. Painted Lichen Moths have the unusual ability to hear. They have hearing organs on their thorax and can make sounds themselves. This may be useful in both communicating for mating purposes as well as warding off flying predators, like bats. Females also emit pheromones to attract males.

Similar Posts

  • Tussock Moths

    Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. Adults are usually quite hairy and generally have subdued colors in shades of brown, gray, or white. The antennae are comblike (bipectinate). Females frequently are larger than males, flightless, and may have the wings reduced or absent. As…

  • Beggar Moth

    The Beggar Moth is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in eastern North America. The wingspan is 21–30 mm. Adults are on wing from May to September. There are three generations per year. Dark spots on the yellow wings of this moth might be mistaken for holes, giving this moth a tired…

  • Confused Eusarca Moth

    The Confused Eusarca is a moth species of the family Geometridae that occurs in North America and Brazil. It is the only member of the genus Eusarca that inhabits the northern portion of the United States and Canada. The wingspan of this species is between 29 and 41 mm. Adults are quite variable but tend…

  • American Idia Moth

    The American Idia moth is a litter moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is commonly found in moist forests in North America, ranging from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. It is nocturnal and can be lured by sugar baits and light traps. The wingspan…

  • Yellow-Fringed Dolichomia

    Yellow-Fringed Dolichomia is a purple moth with two yellow, triangular marks on the outer edge of each forewing. A thin yellow line running across the wings connects the left and right marks at the base of the triangle. The caterpillars of the Yellow-Fringed Dolichomia feed on oak leaves. Adults are drawn to lights, and are…