Acoustic-aposematism
Guides
Cisthene
lichen moths
Cisthene is a genus of lichen moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1854. Species in this genus are known to produce acoustic warning signals that deter bat predators, a behavior termed acoustic aposematism. Research on Cisthene martini has demonstrated this phenomenon occurs in natural habitats, not just laboratory settings. Some species exhibit reduced evasive flight behavior when approached by bats, suggesting reliance on sound-based defense.
Cisthene angelus
angel lichen moth
Cisthene angelus is a small moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It belongs to the lichen moth tribe Lithosiini, characterized by larvae that feed on lichens. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other tiger moths in the genus Cisthene, it likely produces ultrasonic clicks as a defense against bat predation, though this specific behavior has not been directly documented in C. angelus.
Cisthene juanita
Juanita's Lichen Moth
Cisthene juanita is a tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1925. It is endemic to southern Arizona, United States. As a member of the genus Cisthene, it belongs to a group of lichen moths known for their often striking color patterns. Related species in this genus have been documented to produce acoustic warning signals to deter bat predators, a behavior termed acoustic aposematism.
Lymantriinae
Tussock Moths
Lymantriinae is a subfamily of moths within Erebidae, comprising approximately 350 genera and over 2,500 species. Members are commonly known as tussock moths, referring to the distinctive tufted appearance of their caterpillars. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution absent only from Antarctica, with notable concentrations in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. Many species are significant forest defoliators, including economically important pests such as the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Pygarctia
tiger moths
Pygarctia is a genus of arctiine tiger moths in the family Erebidae, established by Grote in 1871. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in North America. At least one species, Pygarctia roseicapitis, has been documented producing acoustic warning signals to deter bat predators, a behavior termed acoustic aposematism. Caterpillars of P. roseicapitis are specialist herbivores on Euphorbia plants, exhibiting distinctive trenching behavior where they cut leaf veins before feeding to reduce latex flow.
Pygarctia lorula
Pygarctia lorula is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1914. It is known only from New Mexico, with adults active in July. The wingspan ranges from 32–43 mm. As a member of the genus Pygarctia, it likely shares the acoustic aposematism behavior documented in congeners, producing warning sounds to deter bat predators.
Pygarctia pterygostigma
Pygarctia pterygostigma is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1909. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. Adults are active during summer months. As a member of the genus Pygarctia, it belongs to a group known for acoustic aposematism—emitting sound signals to warn bat predators of chemical defenses.
Pygarctia roseicapitis
Red-headed Pygarctia Moth
Pygarctia roseicapitis is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are active from May to September and have forewings 14–17 mm in length. The species is notable for producing acoustic warning signals to deter bat predators, a behavior called acoustic aposematism. Larvae are specialists on latex-rich Euphorbiaceae and exhibit distinctive trenching behavior—cutting leaf veins before feeding to reduce latex flow.
Pygarctia spraguei
Sprague's pygarctia, Sprague's tiger moth
Pygarctia spraguei is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. It occurs across the Great Plains of North America, from southern Canada to Texas. The species has a wingspan of approximately 31 mm. Larvae are known to feed on Euphorbia species.