Agylla separata - Agylla Lichen Moth / Mariposa-Agylla (Schaus, 1894)

Lepidoptera: Bombycina: Noctuoidea: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini: Lithosiina

Wing length under rest: ~1,6cm.

They are found in humid places, such as rainforests and woods. These places are favourable to the growth of lichens, mosses and algae. There are close to zero chances of finding one in a big city due to the pollution; pollution destroys the lichens, mosses and algae. That said, they are mostly found in rural, backwater towns, where this one was found.

Agylla separata is a species of lichen moths in the order Lepidoptera, superfamily Noctuoidea, family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, tribe Lithosiini and subtribe Lithosiina.

Humid summers make the population of these moths grow. They are normally found in places where the weather and conditions favour the development of algae, lichen and moss. Some lichens possess toxic substances, and these are stored in the caterpillar, possibly as a defensive mechanism against predation. Lichens are known to be good bioindicators of good environmental quality; pollution tends to kill and destroy lichens, which means that if a place is crowded with lichen moths, it's most likely less polluted or that pollution is inexistent. The subject portrayed was found during the day in a dark area. The wing's length was of approximately 1,6cm when in rest position. Adults are nectarivorous, and I'm unaware if there are other food sources. The larvae, as everything indicates, feed on lichen, moss and algae.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agylla_separata
http://eol.org/pages/69194/overview