Pale Lichen Moth
Common NamePale Lichen Moth
Scientific NameCisthene liberomacula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with lichens
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending north to parts of the Midwest and Northeast
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are lichen feeders, pupating in a cocoon, and adults emerge to mate and lay eggs.
Identification TipsLook for the small size, mottled grayish-brown forewings, and the distinctive pattern of two white spots – one central-costal and one near the inner margin/tornus.
Description
A small, grayish-brown moth characterized by two prominent white patches on each forewing: a larger, somewhat triangular patch on the costal margin and a smaller, often rectangular patch near the tornus.
