Heterogenea shurtleffi

The red eyespot on the forewing is diagnostic and distinguishes this species from other small grayish moths. The eyespot is circular with a black center, surrounded by red and then a pale ring. Similar Limacodidae species lack this precise eyespot pattern or have different coloration. The compact body shape and resting posture with wings held tent-like over the body are consistent with the family but not unique to this species.

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with host trees. Found in areas with oak and other hardwood species. Adults are attracted to light.

Eastern and central North America, from the northeastern United States west to the Great Plains and south to the Gulf Coast. Documented from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern United States.

Adults are active from late spring through summer, with peak activity in June and July in most of the range. Larvae present in summer and early fall.

• Quercus - larval hostoaks

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae feed exposed on leaves, moving with the characteristic slug-like gliding motion due to reduced prolegs. The larval locomotion method is shared with other Limacodidae.

Larval herbivore on oak and possibly other hardwood trees. Role in food webs as prey for birds and other insectivores. Specific ecological impacts are not well documented.

Minor occasional pest of oak trees; larvae may cause localized defoliation. Not considered economically significant. The distinctive appearance makes it a subject of interest for moth enthusiasts and naturalists.

• Other Limacodidae speciesShare the slug-like larval form and compact adult body, but lack the distinctive red eyespot pattern on the forewing.
• Tortricidae speciesSimilar small size and resting posture, but have more triangular wing shape and lack the circular red eyespot; larvae are not slug-like.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life