Cisthene angelus

(Dyar, 1904)

angel lichen moth

Cisthene angelus is a small in the Erebidae, Arctiinae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It belongs to the lichen moth tribe Lithosiini, characterized by that feed on lichens. The occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other in the Cisthene, it likely produces ultrasonic clicks as a defense against bat , though this specific has not been directly documented in C. angelus.

Cisthene Angelus (28739936336) by Grand Canyon National Park. Used under a Public domain license.

Cisthene angelus (33146090953) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Angel Lichen Moth, Cisthene angelus -25874, det. W.D. Field, Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 28 August 1945, L. Arnberger (49552572998) by Robb Hannawacker. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cisthene angelus: /sɪsˈθiːni ˈændʒələs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Small with wingspan approximately 15-20 mm. grayish with variable lichen-like mottling; typically pale with pink or yellowish tint. Distinguished from similar Cisthene by geographic range and subtle pattern differences. Cisthene tenuifascia occurs further east; C. martini has more contrasting markings. examination may be required for definitive identification.

Images

Habitat

Arid and semi-arid environments including desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and rocky slopes. Associated with lichen-covered rocks and tree bark in these .

Distribution

North America: recorded from southern Nevada and Utah south to southern Arizona and western Texas. Range extends into northern Mexico.

Host Associations

lichens - larval food sourceinferred from tribe Lithosiini; specific records for C. angelus not documented

Behavior

are and attracted to light. Based on congeneric studies, likely exhibits —emitting ultrasonic clicks when approached by echolocating bats. This , documented in Cisthene martini, serves as a warning signal of chemical unpalatability rather than evasive .

Ecological Role

Larval stage contributes to through consumption of lichens. serve as for insectivorous bats and birds. Chemical defenses acquired during larval feeding may render adults unpalatable to .

Similar Taxa

Cisthene martiniOverlaps in range; distinguished by more contrasting patterns and documented
Cisthene tenuifasciaSimilar size and appearance; occurs in more eastern and northern
Cisthene packardii in parts of Arizona; requires dissection for reliable separation

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Illice angelus by Dyar in 1904; later transferred to Cisthene. The Cisthene is part of the diverse (Arctiinae) now classified within Erebidae.

Conservation status

Not evaluated by IUCN. Appears secure within its limited but intact desert range.