Limacodidae

slug caterpillar moths, slug moths, cup moths

Genus Guides

Acharia(Saddleback Caterpillar Moths and Allies)
Adoneta(slug moths)
Alarodia
Apoda(slug moths)
Cryptophobetron
Euclea(Euclea Slug Moths)
Heterogenea
Isa
Isochaetes

, commonly called slug caterpillar or cup moths, is a of approximately 1800 described of moths distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. The family derives its from the distinctive larval form: caterpillars are dorsoventrally flattened and move using suckers rather than , resembling slugs in appearance and locomotion. Many larvae possess urticating spines or hairs capable of delivering painful stings. The family is also called "cup moths" for the distinctive circular, calcium-hardened cocoons constructed by larvae.

Apoda latomia by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Phobetron pithecium by (c) Kai Squires, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kai Squires. Used under a CC-BY license.

Prolimacodes by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Limacodidae: /ˌlaɪməˈkɒdɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished by small size, hairy body, reduced mouthparts, fringed wings, and characteristic perching posture with elevated. Larvae immediately recognizable by flattened, slug-like form with suckers rather than ; distinguished from similarly flattened lycaenid caterpillars by presence of suckers (versus prolegs), wider body shape, and concealed (lycaenids extend head during feeding). Larval head remains covered under folds in . Stinging bear with urticating spines; non-stinging species are typically smooth.

Images

Habitat

Occurs in diverse from tropical forests to temperate woodlands. Larvae in temperate eastern North American forests have been observed to prefer glabrous leaves, presumably because leaf trichomes interfere with sucker-based locomotion. Urban and suburban environments support associated with ornamental plants and backyard fruit trees.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with approximately 1800 described ; majority tropical but extending into temperate regions. Documented from North America (including Vermont and Missouri), Central America ( Rica, Panama), South America, Africa (including Liberia, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda), India (195 species from 80 ), and Taiwan.

Life Cycle

Complete . First-instar larvae skeletonize leaves, avoiding small and feeding primarily on one surface; later instars consume entire leaves, usually from underside. Final instar constructs characteristic calcium-hardened silk cocoon with circular escape hatch. Some temperate overwinter as mature larvae seeking protected locations to spin cocoons.

Behavior

Larvae move by rolling waves of muscular contraction rather than with individual ; secrete liquefied silk as lubricant for locomotion. Some exhibit through transparency, body color, and resting . of some species are known to mimic bees or .

Ecological Role

Larvae are folivores; some cause significant defoliation of palms (e.g., Latoia viridissima, Parasa lepida, Penthocrates meyrick, Aarodia nana). Stinging larvae function as aposematic prey, warning of chemical defense.

Human Relevance

Larvae pose medical concern due to urticating spines causing erucism (painful stings); severe reactions may require medical attention. Several are significant agricultural and horticultural pests, particularly of palms. Caterpillars of some species are collected and photographed by naturalists due to bizarre appearance.

Similar Taxa

Lycaenidae (gossamer-winged butterflies)Larvae are similarly dorsoventrally flattened, but possess (not suckers), are always longer than wide, have densely hairy bodies, and extend during feeding—all features distinguishing them from .
Megalopygidae (flannel moths)Also called slug caterpillar with venomous, hairy larvae; historically sometimes confused with but now recognized as separate . Larvae are typically more densely hairy and less distinctly flattened.