The Painted Lichen Moth caterpillar is black with fine yellow markings and long black spikes. It grows to about 1.50 inches. The adult moth has a wingspan of about an inch. It is brightly colored red and orange with dark gray stripes. Usually the thorax is gray. The hindwing is pinkish with a broad dark terminal band.
This is probably a common caterpillar in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. The caterpillar shown here was photographed in early May in Fontenelle Forest. The adults may be seen from May through August and are attracted to lights.
The caterpillars feed on lichens and algae growing on trees and fallen logs. The species overwinters as a larva.
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