Black-and-yellow lichen moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-and-yellow lichen moth |
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The Lycomorpha pholus, also known as the black-and-yellow lichen moth, is a type of moth. It belongs to a moth family called Erebidae. You can find this moth across North America. It lives from Nova Scotia in the east, down to North Carolina, and west to South Dakota and Texas. These moths prefer to live in places with short grassy fields, like prairies.
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What Does It Look Like?
This moth is quite small. Its wingspan is about 25 to 32 millimeters (about 1 to 1.25 inches). Adult moths have wings that are mostly bluish-black. Near their body, the wings have a bright yellow, orange, or red color. The outer parts of their wings are black.
When and Where Do They Fly?
Adult moths are active from July to September. Unlike many moths, the black-and-yellow lichen moth flies during the day. They are often seen visiting flowers, especially goldenrod.
Clever Disguise: Mimicry
These moths have a special trick to stay safe. They are thought to mimic (or copy) the look of certain beetles. These beetles are called Lycid beetles, like the Calopteron species. Lycid beetles are poisonous, so predators learn to avoid them. By looking similar, the moths hope predators will think they are also poisonous and leave them alone.
What About the Caterpillars?
The young moths, called larvae or caterpillars, have a unique diet. They feed on lichen, which are small plant-like growths found on rocks and trees. The caterpillars often look very similar to the lichen they eat. This helps them blend in and hide from animals that might want to eat them.
The caterpillars can take a long time to grow up. Their development might take several years, depending on where they live. When they are ready to change into moths, they form a cocoon. These cocoons are often hairy and are attached to rocks or tree trunks close to where they found their food.
Types of Black-and-Yellow Lichen Moths
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Lycomorpha pholus moth:
- Lycomorpha pholus pholus
- Lycomorpha pholus miniata Packard, 1872 (This type is found in central North America.)
