Etched Cerathosia
Common NameEtched Cerathosia
Scientific NameCerathosia bicincta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with abundant lichens
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Maryland south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma)
Host Plantslichens (e.g., Parmotrema species)
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens and are often camouflaged against their food source. Like all moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white forewings with numerous black spots and blotches, often forming two irregular bands. The hindwings are unmarked white.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with striking white forewings heavily marked with irregular black spots and two somewhat defined black bands. The hindwings are plain white.
