Adorable Brocade Moth
Common NameAdorable Brocade Moth
Scientific NameCryphia perloides
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyBryophilinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatLichen-covered rocks, walls, trees, urban areas, woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantslichens (e.g., Xanthoria parietina, Parmelia spp.)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens, overwinter, and pupate in spring. Adults are nocturnal and emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, highly cryptic lichen-like pattern, and the presence of indistinct kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) spots on the forewings. The overall coloration is a mix of browns, greys, and blacks.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown, grey, and black forewings, designed to blend seamlessly with lichen-covered surfaces. It features indistinct reniform and orbicular spots and wavy transverse lines.
