Painted Lichen Moth (Hypoprepia fucosa)
The painted lichen moth is an Erebidae moth found in North America. Its bright colors, that also results in its name, act as a warning to would-be predators.
These moths are capable of “hearing” with the help of organs on their thorax, which can also emit high-frequency sounds.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Hypoprepia
- Scientific Name: Hypoprepia fucosa
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Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Larvae are brownish-black, with yellow speckling. Their bodies even have black tubercles, with spiny hairs all over, helping them safeguard themselves against predators.
Another protective measure they adopt to misguide or confuse their predators is flinging their feces at a distance, much away from the place they are actually located.
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Pupa
Once the larvae mature, it begins to pupate inside the cocoons they make.
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Adult Moth
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, they are pink with a dark band along the outer edge. When the wings are closed, the colors observed remain the same.
Average wingspan: 2.5–3.5 cm
Flight pattern: Consistent
Season: May to August
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Egg
Eggs are small and round, laid close to the host plant.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | The United States and southern Canada, to the eastern part of the Rocky Mountains |
| Habitat | Wooded areas |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Predators | Birds, bats |
| Host Plants | Mainly lichens besides moss, and algae |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- There are two sub-species of this moth – Hypoprepia fucosa subornata and Hypoprepia fucosa tricolor.
- Older caterpillars may occasionally eat smaller larvae and pupae when food is scarce.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Hypoprepia
- Scientific Name: Hypoprepia fucosa
