Green lichen tuft moth
Common NameGreen lichen tuft moth
Scientific NamePseudeustrotia candidula
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyEustrotiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale green, black, cream
HabitatDamp woodlands, fens, marshes, riverbanks, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Russia, Japan, Korea, China)
Host Plantslichens, algae, mosses
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with white lines and feed on lichens and algae growing on trees and rocks. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among the host material.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale green ground color, the irregular black blotches, and the prominent raised tufts of scales on the forewings, which give it a textured appearance.
Description
A small moth with pale green forewings heavily mottled with irregular black markings and distinctive raised tufts of cream-colored scales.
