Our insect of the week for October 27, 2025 is the painted lichen moth, Hypoprepia fucosa. [LEPIDOPTERA: Erebidae]. This species was described by the German entomologist, Jacob Hübner, in 1831. This moth is native to central Illinois and is found in the United States and Canada (east of the Rocky Mountains).

Adults fly from May through August. They are attracted to artificial lights at night. It is not known whether this species is noxious to predators. Adults display warning (aposematic) colors to warn predators. They may be mimicking distasteful net winged beetles (COLEOPTERA: Lycidae). Larvae feed on lichen, algae, and moss found on trees. Larvae have black tubercles with spine like setae. These can be irritating to human skin. This species overwinters in the caterpillar stage. They don’t freeze solid because of antifreeze in their blood (ethylene glycol).

The specimen in this photograph was collected by Frank Hitchell in Peoria County, Illinois.