Packard's Lichen Moth
Common NamePackard's Lichen Moth
Scientific NameCisthene packardii
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, rocky areas, and other places with abundant lichens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantslichens
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on lichens growing on trees and rocks, and they typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the distinctive pattern of orange stripes and patches on the dark forewings, its small size, and the bright orange head and thorax.
Description
A small moth with dark forewings featuring a prominent orange stripe along the costa and additional orange patches, contrasting with an orange head and thorax.
