Little Mask Philenora
Common NameLittle Mask Philenora
Scientific NamePhilenora undulosa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorscream, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with abundant lichen growth
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia)
Host Plantslichens
Flight PeriodSeptember to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on lichens, undergoing complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
Identification TipsLook for the small size and the unique, high-contrast pattern of dark brown/black irregular bands and patches on a pale cream background on the forewings. The head and thorax are also pale.
Description
A small moth characterized by its creamy white forewings marked with irregular, bold dark brown to black bands and patches, giving it a distinctive 'mask-like' appearance.
