About Cryphia algae (Fabricius, 1775)
This moth species is Cryphia algae (Fabricius, 1775), also previously referenced as M. algae F. and spoliatricula Hbn. For the typical form, the forewing has a completely pale green basal area and partially pale green marginal area, with black markings; the black lines are positioned the same as in Cryphia ravula, the median space is brownish, and there are several dark marks along the submarginal line. The hindwing is dull grey. Four aberrations of this species are recognized. The aberration ab. degener Esp. is more unicolorous, with the pale green color clouded with grey, and has a dark band beyond the inner line. In ab. mendacula Hbn, the entire forewing has intermixed pale and dark scales, creating a varied appearance. The aberration ab. calligrapha Bkh is a distinctly attractive variant, where the basal and marginal areas are more or less filled with lichen-yellow. Mature larvae are grey, with a bluish tint along the sides and a dark grey dorsal line. The wingspan of adults ranges 24–30 mm, and the forewings measure 10–13 mm in length. Adult moths fly from July to September, with flight timing varying by location. Larvae of this species feed on a variety of tree-dwelling lichen species.
