Forest-lepidoptera
Guides
Apoda
slug moths, slug caterpillar moths
Apoda is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths due to the distinctive caterpillar morphology. The genus includes species whose larvae are characterized by a flattened, slug-like body form and reduced or absent prolegs, moving with a gliding motion rather than typical caterpillar crawling. Caterpillars in this genus possess venomous spines or setae that can cause painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of a larger group of limacodid moths known for their unusual larval forms and defensive capabilities.
Apoda latomia
Yellow-collared slug moth
Apoda latomia is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae. The species is known for its distinctive caterpillar that feeds on hickory foliage and has a helmet-like appearance. Adults are small, relatively nondescript moths. The species occurs in eastern North America and is most frequently encountered in its larval stage.
Apoda y-inversum
inverted Y slug moth, yellow-collared slug moth
Apoda y-inversum is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, known for its distinctive helmet-shaped caterpillar that feeds on hickory leaves. The species ranges across eastern North America from Quebec to Florida. Adults are active from May through August and have a wingspan of 21–30 mm. The common name refers to the yellow collar marking on the adult moth.
Archips packardiana
spring spruce needle moth, spruce needleworm
Archips packardiana is a tortricid moth whose larvae are specialized feeders on spruce needles. The species overwinters as a tiny larva inside a mined needle, resuming feeding in spring before moving to new foliage. Commonly known as the spring spruce needle moth or spruce needleworm, it occurs throughout most of Canada and the northeastern United States. Despite its common name, populations typically remain at low densities and cause minimal damage to host trees.
Citheronia regalis
Regal Moth, Royal Walnut Moth
Citheronia regalis is a large North American saturniid moth known as the regal moth or royal walnut moth. Its larval stage, the hickory horned devil, is one of the largest caterpillars in North America north of Mexico and is notable for its striking appearance with prominent red and black horns. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed, living only about a week to mate and lay eggs. The species has a single generation per year throughout most of its range.
Dioryctria pseudotsugella
Douglas-fir coneworm moth
A small coneworm moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1959. The species is associated with coniferous forests across western North America, where its larvae develop in the cones and cambium of Douglas-fir and related host trees. The specific epithet references its primary host genus Pseudotsuga.
Hyalophora euryalus euryalus
Ceanothus silk moth, Western cecropia moth
Hyalophora euryalus euryalus is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, native to western North America. Adults are among the largest moths in the region, with wingspans reaching up to 15 centimeters. The subspecies is distinguished by its reddish-brown wing coloration with prominent eyespots and white crescent markings. Like other Hyalophora species, adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed, living only long enough to mate and reproduce. Larvae are notable for their large size, colorful tubercles, and urticating spines.
Macaria pustularia
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Macaria pustularia, commonly known as the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is well-documented with over 20,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name references its association with maple host plants and the 'spanworm' habit of its larvae, which move with a looping gait characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Nepytia canosaria
False Hemlock Looper Moth, false hemlock looper
Nepytia canosaria is a North American geometrid moth commonly known as the false hemlock looper. The species occurs across a broad transcontinental range from northeastern Alberta to the Atlantic provinces, extending south through New England. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from August through September. The larval stage feeds primarily on conifers including balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and various spruce species.
Sphinx kalmiae
laurel sphinx
Sphinx kalmiae, commonly known as the laurel sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species was named by James Edward Smith after Kalmia, the plant on which its caterpillar was first observed. It is an ash-specialist moth whose larvae feed on several host plants including ash, lilac, and mountain laurel. The species faces conservation concerns due to the decline of ash trees from emerald ash borer invasion.