Clemensia albata

Packard, 1864

Little White Lichen Moth

Clemensia albata, known as the little white lichen , is a small erebid moth described by Packard in 1864. It is widely distributed across eastern and western North America, with in Canada and along the Pacific Coast. are active during summer months and have been documented feeding on .

- 8098 – Clemensia albata – Little White Lichen Moth (14836298677) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Clemensia albata SERC 05-22-15 (17953864756) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Clemensia albata 03 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clemensia albata: //kləˈmɛn.si.ə ælˈbeɪ.tə//

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Identification

Small size (forewings 10–11 mm) and white coloration distinguish it from larger or more patterned erebid . The specific epithet 'albata' (meaning whitened) refers to its pale appearance. Separation from congeneric requires examination of genitalia or other subtle morphological features not detailed in general sources.

Images

Appearance

Small with forewing length of 10–11 mm. Coloration predominantly white, consistent with the . Detailed wing pattern and body not specified in available sources.

Habitat

Moist forests including coastal rainforests, oak woodlands, and mixed hardwood forests. Associated with humid, forested environments across its range.

Distribution

Eastern North America, extending west across Canada to southeastern British Columbia. Pacific Coast range south to Monterey Bay in west-central California. Additional records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

active from late June to early September. Single brooded with summer period.

Diet

have been recorded feeding on . Larval diet unknown.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific details of larval development and stage not documented.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Clemensia speciesCongeneric share small size and pale coloration; accurate identification requires examination
  • Other Lithosiini mothsTribe members often similar in size and preference; wing pattern and genitalia differences used for separation

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described in Cissura; now classified in Clemensia. C. a. umbrata described by Packard in 1872.

Algae Feeding

feeding on is unusual among and has been specifically documented for this , though the frequency and ecological significance of this remain unclear.

Sources and further reading