Little Ochre Lichen Moth
Common NameLittle Ochre Lichen Moth
Scientific NameCrambidia casta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with abundant lichens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantslichens (e.g., Parmelia species)
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens, typically on tree bark or rocks. They undergo complete metamorphosis, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, pale ground color, and distinctive irregular dark mottling on the forewings, often with a noticeable dark reniform spot and a wavy subterminal band.
Description
A small moth with pale white to cream-colored wings, heavily mottled and spotted with irregular dark brown or black markings, providing excellent camouflage against lichen-covered surfaces.
