Philenora chionastis
Scientific NamePhilenora chionastis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, cream
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas with lichen growth
Geographic RangeEastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania)
Host Plantslichens
Flight PeriodSpring to Autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are lichenivorous, feeding on lichens growing on trees and rocks. Like all moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the small size, the striking wavy brown and cream banding on the forewings, and the pale, somewhat fluffy head and thorax.
Description
A small moth with forewings featuring a distinctive pattern of irregular, wavy bands in dark brown and creamy white, with a pale head and thorax.
