Painted lichen moth
Its caterpillars can flick their droppings up to thirty body lengths away, a trick that keeps scent-tracking parasitic wasps from finding them.
| Where | Woodlands near lichen-covered trees |
|---|---|
| Size | 25 to 38 mm wingspan |
| When | May to September |
The Painted lichen moth has narrow orange-yellow forewings crossed by three thin grey stripes, with pinkish hindwings edged in a dark band; its wingspan runs about 25 to 38 mm.
Caterpillars feed on lichens and algae growing on tree trunks, rocks and buildings, and adults are nocturnal, coming readily to lights from late spring into early autumn.
Traits
Habitat
Woodland
Colour
Orange, Grey, Red
Active
Night
To people
Attracted to light; harmless to people.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Has thicker, more solid red forewing bands and a redder head, while the Painted lichen moth's stripes are thinner and more orange with a yellower head.
Questions
Is the Painted lichen moth dangerous to people?
Attracted to light; harmless to people.
When can you see the Painted lichen moth?
The Painted lichen moth can be seen from May to September, at night.
Plate retouched from a photo by Louis Imbeau, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist Licence
Report a mistake in this entry
Butterflies and moths›Erebid moths›Hypoprepia
Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.