Lithacodes

Adults may be distinguished from other Limacodidae genera by genitalic and wing venation characters; species-level identification often requires examination of genitalia. Larvae can be recognized by the slug-like form combined with specific color patterns: Lithacodes fasciola larvae have yellow lateral patches on a green background, while other species show different markings.

Adults are small to medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings and compact bodies. Larvae have the distinctive slug-like morphology of Limacodidae: body broad and flattened, prolegs reduced or modified, and locomotion achieved through a gliding motion rather than typical caterpillar crawling. Specific coloration and pattern vary by species.

Associated with deciduous forests and wooded areas where host plants occur. Larvae feed on leaves of various hardwood trees and shrubs.

North America, with records from the eastern and central United States including Vermont.

Adults are active during the warmer months; exact flight periods vary by species and latitude. Larvae present during spring and summer.

Larvae feed on leaves of hardwood trees including oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), and other woody plants. Specific host associations vary among species.

• Quercus - larval food plant
• Fagus - larval food plant

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae are the feeding stage and possess stinging or urticating setae typical of Limacodidae. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.

Larvae move with a characteristic gliding motion due to their modified body form. When disturbed, some limacodid larvae may arch their bodies or display urticating spines.

Larvae function as herbivores on deciduous trees, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as prey for parasitoids and other natural enemies. Their stinging spines provide defense against predators.

Larvae can deliver painful stings through urticating spines, making them a minor medical concern. The yellow-shouldered slug moth (Lithacodes fasciola) is the most frequently encountered species and is occasionally reported for its sting.

• IsaBoth are Limacodidae genera with slug-like larvae; Isa species often have more contrasting color patterns and different adult wing patterns.
• EucleaAnother Limacodidae genus with similar larval morphology; Euclea larvae often have more prominent tubercles and different coloration.
• ParasaLimacodidae genus with similar slug-like larvae; Parasa species typically show different adult wing patterns and larval coloration.

• slug caterpillar
• stinging caterpillar
• Limacodidae
• North America
• forest moth

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