Arid Eudesmia Moth
Common NameArid Eudesmia Moth
Scientific NameEudesmia arida
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, deserts, scrublands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah) and northern Mexico
Host Plantslichens
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The larvae are known to feed on lichens growing on rocks and trees.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the striking orange and black striped pattern on the forewings, the bright orange head and thorax, and its occurrence in arid environments of the southwestern US and Mexico.
Description
This moth has a fuzzy orange head and thorax, with black forewings marked by two prominent, bright orange transverse bands and an orange patch at the base. Its antennae are black and slender.
