Lichen Moth

Description:

Erebidae; Arctiinae; Lithosiini; Eilema sp. This moth is commonly called a Lichen Moth because the larvae of moths in the Tribe Lithosiini eat lichen. I have seen comments here and there on the internet suggesting that these Lichen Moths are rather plain. Perhaps they are plain in the sense that they are not highly ornate or overly colourful. But there is a certain kind of dignity in these simple moths that surely can't be denied. When I see a moth like the one in my photos, I begin to understand why there are so many moth enthusiasts.

Habitat:

This Lichen Moth was spotted in foliage growing along the side of a road leading into rice fields and an old farmhouse.

Notes:

Photos of Eilema spp. - https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/125267-...