Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074
Cisthene barnesii
This record describes Cisthene barnesii (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to several other Cisthene lichen moths, particularly Thin-banded: wings slate gray with orange on thorax, basal streak on FWs, and variable PM band. Most importantly, on Barnes' the top of head (vertex) is gray (but collar and tegulae usually orange); basal streak narrow; PM orange band typically very narrow or broken into 2 or 3 spots or virtually absent. Fairly consistently (82% of examples), the outer (distal) margin of the PM band or its outline is slightly convex; this compares to a straight or slightly concave margin of that band in Thin-banded. Genitalia:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Erebidae
- Subfamily
- Arctiinae
- Tribe
- Lithosiini
- Genus
- Cisthene
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Although it has been described as a "Rocky Mountain species" ( 4 ) , it is most commonly associated with mid-elevation foothills and pinyon-juniper (AZ-NM) or juniper-oak woodlands (TX).
Geographic Range
Widespread in the s. and cen. Rocky Mountain states from AZ and NM north through most of UT and CO, with scattered reports in ID, WY, and perhaps strays to the n. Great Plains in ND; ranges E to central Texas (Edwards Plateau). ,
Seasonal Activity
The adults are most common from July to September.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named in honor of entomologist Dr. William Barnes (1860-1930).
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cisthene barnesii. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Steve Nanz , Chuck Sexton , Randy Hardy , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074
What is Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074?
Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074 (Cisthene barnesii) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074?
Forewing length 8-12 mm.
How do you identify Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074?
Similar to several other Cisthene lichen moths, particularly Thin-banded: wings slate gray with orange on thorax, basal streak on FWs, and variable PM band. Most importantly, on Barnes' the top of head (vertex) is gray (but collar and tegulae usually orange); basal streak narrow; PM orange band typically very narrow or broken into 2 or 3 spots or virtually absent. Fairly consistently (82% of examples), the outer (distal) margin of the PM band or its outline is slightly convex; this compares to a straight or slightly concave margin of that band in Thin-banded. Genitalia:
Where is Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Although it has been described as a Rocky Mountain species ( 4 ) , it is most commonly associated with mid-elevation foothills and pinyon-juniper (AZ-NM) or juniper-oak woodlands (TX). |
| Range | Widespread in the s. and cen. Rocky Mountain states from AZ and NM north through most of UT and CO, with scattered reports in ID, WY, and perhaps strays to the n. Great Plains in ND; ranges E to central Texas (Edwards Plateau). |
When is Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074 active?
Barnes' Lichen Moth - Hodges#8074: seasonal activity - The adults are most common from July to September..