Tamaulipan Lichen Moth
Common NameTamaulipan Lichen Moth
Scientific NameCisthene tamaulipasa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, dark brown
HabitatDry scrublands, woodlands, areas with abundant lichens
Geographic RangeSouthern Texas (USA), northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas)
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are believed to feed on lichens and possibly algae, typically found on rocks or tree bark.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size and the distinctive pattern of two prominent dark brown patches on pale yellow forewings, along with a dark spot on the thorax.
Description
A small moth with pale yellow forewings distinctly marked by two large, dark brown patches: one triangular near the base and a larger rounded one on the outer half, complemented by a pale yellow body and a dark spot on the thorax.
