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

  • Common Gray

    Adults Common Grays can be found across North America, though they do not venture into colder, arctic air. They are common in that they are ubiquitous, but also in that they look like many other moths in its family. Overall gray, the Common Gray has a fine pattern of black lines and white hues. Careful…

  • 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…

  • Clymene Moth

    The Clymene Moth is a moth of the tiger moth subfamily – Arctiinae, tribe Arctiini. The forewing is creamy yellow with a partial brown-black border that extends inward from the inner margin near the anal angle. The hindwing is yellow orange with one or two brown-black spots. The wingspan is 40–55 mm. The Clymene moth…

  • 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…

  • 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…