Hawaiian Dancing Moth
Common NameHawaiian Dancing Moth
Scientific NameHyposmocoma anomala
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatForests, shrublands, and coastal areas where lichens are present
Geographic RangeHawaiian Islands (endemic)
Host Plantslichens
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are known for constructing a portable, silk-lined case covered with detritus or lichen. They feed on lichens and are famous for their 'dancing' behavior, rapidly twitching their cases when disturbed.
Identification TipsAdults are small and cryptically colored, making species-level identification challenging without close examination. The most distinctive feature is the behavior of its case-bearing larva, which 'dances' when threatened.
Description
A very small, slender moth with forewings that are cryptically patterned in shades of brown, tan, and grey, allowing it to blend with bark or lichen.
