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<p>The interactions between moths and lichens are diverse and have long fascinated ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Lichens play multiple roles in these associations, serving as a food source, shelter, a substrate for concealment, and a background that may facilitate camouflage or deceptive resemblance. Background matching with lichens is a well-known anti-predator strategy in Lepidoptera, where wing patterns often imitate lichen textures. However, most documented cases involve other lichens, whereas umbilicate lichens such as <i>Lasallia</i> have previously not been reported as models. Here, we present the first record of a moth exhibiting lichen-associated camouflage with <i>Lasallia pertusa</i> (Rass.) Llano, documented from Duggi locality, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India. The moth’s forewing pattern, characterized by pustule-like markings and pale interspaces closely resembles the mottled thallus of <i>L. pertusa</i>, providing effective concealment on exposed rock surfaces. The present report contributes to the understanding of lichen-based crypsis and emphasizes the ecological significance of lichens in shaping predator–prey interactions in montane ecosystems.</p>

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Lichen-insect associations and the first record of a moth mimicking the umbilicate lichen Lasallia pertusa (Umbilicariaceae) in the Western Himalaya, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月17日

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  • Vishal Kumar,
  • Sanjay Kumar Uniyal

摘要

The interactions between moths and lichens are diverse and have long fascinated ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Lichens play multiple roles in these associations, serving as a food source, shelter, a substrate for concealment, and a background that may facilitate camouflage or deceptive resemblance. Background matching with lichens is a well-known anti-predator strategy in Lepidoptera, where wing patterns often imitate lichen textures. However, most documented cases involve other lichens, whereas umbilicate lichens such as Lasallia have previously not been reported as models. Here, we present the first record of a moth exhibiting lichen-associated camouflage with Lasallia pertusa (Rass.) Llano, documented from Duggi locality, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India. The moth’s forewing pattern, characterized by pustule-like markings and pale interspaces closely resembles the mottled thallus of L. pertusa, providing effective concealment on exposed rock surfaces. The present report contributes to the understanding of lichen-based crypsis and emphasizes the ecological significance of lichens in shaping predator–prey interactions in montane ecosystems.