Schwarz’s Lichen Moth
Common NameSchwarz’s Lichen Moth
Scientific NameCisthene schwarziorum
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatPine forests, woodlands, and areas with abundant lichens
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (e.g., Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina)
Host Plantslichens
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on lichens, pupa, and adult moth.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive black and orange-yellow striped pattern on the forewings, small size, and the orange head and thorax. It is often found in areas with lichens.
Description
A small moth with an orange head and thorax, and black forewings marked with a prominent, broad orange-yellow median band and an orange-yellow patch at the base.
