Limacodidae
Guides
Acharia extensa
Acharia extensa is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. It occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, with records from southern Florida. The larvae feed on a documented range of host plants including Inga species, oaks (Quercus), Byrsonima crassifolia, and coffee (Coffea arabica). Like other members of the genus Acharia, the larvae likely possess stinging spines characteristic of the family.
Acharia stimulea
Saddleback caterpillar, Saddleback moth
Acharia stimulea, commonly known as the saddleback caterpillar, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva is notable for its striking appearance—a brown shield-like marking surrounded by white on its back, resembling a saddle, with prominent projections at both ends bearing venomous urticating hairs. Contact with these spines causes painful stings and potential skin reactions in humans. The species has a broad host plant range and is parasitized by braconid wasps in the genus Cotesia.
Adoneta
slug moths
Adoneta is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, erected by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The genus contains at least four described species, including the long-horned slug moth (A. bicaudata) and the purple-crested slug moth (A. spinuloides). All members are slug caterpillar moths, named for the distinctive locomotion of their larvae.
Adoneta bicaudata
Long-horned Slug Moth
Adoneta bicaudata, commonly known as the long-horned slug moth, is a species of moth in the family Limacodidae. It is characterized by its distinctive larval form, which bears elongated posterior projections. The species was described by Dyar in 1904 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4684. Like other members of its family, the caterpillar has a reduced, slug-like body form with suckers instead of prolegs.
Adoneta gemina
Adoneta gemina is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1906 from southern Texas. It belongs to the superfamily Zygaenoidea, a group that includes flannel moths, slug caterpillar moths, and leaf skeletonizer moths. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 4682. As a member of the Limacodidae family, its larvae are expected to have the reduced prolegs and slug-like crawling form characteristic of this group, though specific larval descriptions for this species are not documented in available sources.
Adoneta pygmaea
Pygmy Slug Caterpillar Moth
Adoneta pygmaea is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Grote and Robinson in 1868. It is one of the smaller members of the genus Adoneta, which comprises approximately six species of North American limacodid moths. The species is assigned MONA (Moths of North America) number 4683. Like other limacodids, its larvae are characterized by a reduced, slug-like proleg structure and the presence of venomous setae.
Adoneta spinuloides
Purple-crested Slug Moth
Adoneta spinuloides, commonly known as the purple-crested slug moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4685. It belongs to a group of moths whose larvae are known as slug caterpillars due to their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and reduced prolegs.
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 biguttata
Shagreened Slug Moth
Apoda biguttata, commonly known as the shagreened slug moth, is a species of slug moth in the family Limacodidae. It is found in eastern North America. The adult has a wingspan of 19–30 mm and is active from April to August. The larvae feed on various deciduous trees including hornbeam, hickory, and oak.
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 rectilinea
Rectilinea Slug Moth
Apoda rectilinea is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, native to North America. The caterpillars are known for their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and are associated with oak foliage. Adults are small, relatively plain moths that are attracted to light. The species is part of a genus whose larvae feed on specific host plants and possess stinging spines.
Cryptophobetron oropeso
Cryptophobetron oropeso is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Barnes in 1905. The genus Cryptophobetron contains relatively few described species, and members of this group are characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive larval morphology. This species is part of the diverse Zygaenoidea superfamily, which includes many species with chemical defenses and urticating larvae.
Euclea
Euclea Slug Moths
Euclea is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, containing at least 40 described species. The genus was established by Hübner in 1822. Larvae are known for their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings. The genus is well-represented in North America with species such as Euclea delphinii (spiny oak slug moth) and Euclea incisa (green oak-slug moth).
Euclea incisa
Green Oak-slug Moth
Euclea incisa is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. The species is known to be attracted to artificial light sources at night. Like other members of the genus Euclea and family Limacodidae, the caterpillars are likely slug-like in form and possess stinging spines or setae, though specific larval details for this species are not well documented. The species has been recorded in Kansas.
Euclea obliqua
Euclea obliqua is a species of slug moth in the family Limacodidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1886. Like other members of this family, its larvae possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings to humans. The species is part of a genus containing several spiny, slug-like caterpillars that feed on oak and other hardwood foliage.
Heterogenea
Heterogenea is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, established by Knoch in 1783. The genus contains two recognized species distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Members of this genus are small moths with reduced wing venation characteristic of the family. The genus is notable for its disjunct distribution spanning Europe, eastern Asia, and North America.
Isa
Isa is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug caterpillar moths. These moths are characterized by their distinctive larval stage, which features flattened, slug-like caterpillars that glide rather than crawl using conventional legs. The genus was established by Packard in 1864 and includes several species found in North America.
Isa schaefferana
Isa schaefferana is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Dyar in 1906. The genus Isa contains several North American species commonly known as "stinging caterpillars" due to their urticating spines. Like other limacodids, the larvae are characterized by a reduced, slug-like proleg structure and venomous setae. The species is part of the diverse Zygaenoidea superfamily, which includes many groups with chemical defenses.
Isa textula
crowned slug moth, skiff moth
Isa textula is a moth in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the crowned slug moth or skiff moth. The species is notable for its distinctive caterpillar, which has a flattened, slug-like body with radiating lobes bearing stinging spines. Adults are less conspicuous than the larvae. The species occurs across eastern North America and has been documented in forested habitats from the ground to tree canopies.
Isochaetes
Isochaetes is a genus of slug caterpillar moths (family Limacodidae) described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1899. The genus contains at least five described species distributed in the Neotropical region, with most species described from Costa Rica in the early 2000s. Like other limacodids, members of this genus have slug-like larval forms.
Lithacodes
slug caterpillar moths
Lithacodes is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, established by Packard in 1864. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed in North America. Larvae of this genus exhibit the characteristic slug-like form typical of Limacodidae, with reduced prolegs and a broad, flattened body adapted for slow, gliding movement.
Lithacodes fasciola
yellow-shouldered slug, ochre-winged hag moth
Lithacodes fasciola is a small slug moth in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the yellow-shouldered slug or ochre-winged hag moth. The species exhibits distinctive larval and adult morphology, with caterpillars showing bright yellow-green coloration with striping and adults displaying characteristic wing patterns. It has a broad distribution across eastern North America with variable voltinism depending on latitude. The larvae feed on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Lithacodes fiskeanus
Lithacodes fiskeanus is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. The genus Lithacodes contains species known for their distinctive larval morphology, with caterpillars that move with a slug-like gliding motion rather than walking. Adults are small, stout-bodied moths with reduced wing venation typical of the family. This species has been documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or geographically restricted.
Lithacodes gracea
Graceful Slug Moth
Lithacodes gracea, known as the graceful slug moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1921. It belongs to the family Limacodidae, a group characterized by caterpillars with reduced prolegs that move with a slug-like gliding motion rather than crawling. The species is recognized by MONA/Hodges number 4664. Like other limacodids, it is presumed to have stinging or irritating setae in the larval stage, though specific documentation for this species is limited.
Monoleuca erectifascia
Monoleuca erectifascia is a moth species described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1925. It is currently treated as a synonym of Monoleuca sulphurea, a species in the family Limacodidae (slug caterpillar moths). The original description was based on specimens from Mexico. As a synonym, this name has no independent taxonomic standing and does not represent a separately recognized biological entity.
Monoleuca occidentalis
Monoleuca occidentalis is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1912. The species belongs to a family commonly known as slug caterpillar moths, whose larvae are characterized by their reduced, slug-like prolegs and slow, gliding locomotion. Adults are typically small to medium-sized moths. The genus Monoleuca contains several North American species, though detailed natural history information for M. occidentalis specifically remains limited in available literature.
Monoleuca semifascia
Pin-striped Vermilion Slug Moth
Monoleuca semifascia is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the Pin-striped Vermilion Slug Moth. The species is recognized by its distinctive adult coloration and slug-like larval form characteristic of the family. It has been documented across multiple observation platforms with a notable presence in the eastern United States. The species was originally described by Walker in 1855 under the basionym Limacodes semifascia.
Packardia elegans
Elegant Tailed Slug Moth
Packardia elegans is a small moth species in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the elegant tailed slug moth. It occurs in eastern North American woodlands and forests, with a range extending from Quebec and Maine south to Georgia and west to Missouri. The species has a forewing length of 10–12 mm. Larvae feed on woody plants including beech, cherry, and oak. Two subspecies are recognized: P. e. elegans and P. e. fusca.
Packardia geminata
Jeweled Tailed Slug Moth
Packardia geminata, commonly known as the Jeweled Tailed Slug Moth, is a species of slug moth in the family Limacodidae. The species was first described by Packard in 1864 under the basionym Cyrtosia geminata. Like other limacodid moths, the larvae are slug-like caterpillars with reduced prolegs that move by gliding rather than crawling. The family is known for caterpillars that often possess urticating (stinging) spines or setae. Adults are small to medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings. The specific epithet "geminata" (Latin for "twinned" or "doubled") may refer to paired markings or features on the wings or body.
Parasa chloris
Smaller Parasa Moth, smaller parasa
Parasa chloris is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the smaller parasa. Adults display characteristic green banding on the forewings, while larvae possess stinging hairs and are often brightly colored. Recent taxonomic revision resolved long-standing nomenclatural confusion by designating a lectotype from three syntypes discovered in the National Museum of Natural History, with COI barcoding indicating the type locality is north-eastern USA rather than South America as originally suggested. This work represents the first step toward testing the monophyly of the pantropical genus Parasa.
Perola
Perola is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, the slug caterpillar moths. These moths are primarily Neotropical in distribution. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1855. Limacodidae moths are known for their distinctive caterpillars that possess reduced prolegs and move with a slug-like locomotion.
Perola clara
Perola clara is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1907. The species belongs to a family known for larvae with reduced prolegs that move with a slug-like gliding motion. As with many Limacodidae, the adults are typically small to medium-sized moths with stout, hairy bodies. Information on the specific biology and ecology of P. clara remains limited in the scientific literature.
Phobetron pithecium
Hag Moth, Monkey Slug (larva)
Phobetron pithecium, commonly known as the hag moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva, called the monkey slug, is one of the most distinctive caterpillars in North America, bearing nine pairs of curly, hair-covered projections that give it an appearance resembling a shed spider skin or leaf debris. The species occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, with adults active primarily in summer. Both larva and adult exhibit notable defensive adaptations: the caterpillar's tubercles can detach without harm to the animal, and adults display sexual dimorphism with males having translucent wings while females are drab brown with yellow leg scales and reportedly mimic bees.
Prolimacodes
skiff moth
Prolimacodes is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, established by William Schaus in 1896. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across North and Central America. Caterpillars in this genus are commonly referred to as "slug caterpillars" due to their distinctive reduced-leg locomotion. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources and are documented in citizen science observations.
Prolimacodes badia
Skiff Moth
Prolimacodes badia, commonly known as the skiff moth, is a small moth in the family Limacodidae (slug caterpillar moths). The species is widely distributed across eastern North America. Adults are active from late spring through summer, and larvae feed on leaves of numerous woody plants.
Prolimacodes trigona
Western Skiff Moth
Prolimacodes trigona, known as the Western Skiff Moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. It is one of two species in the genus Prolimacodes, alongside the more widespread P. badia (Skiff Moth). The species is found in western North America and is characterized by its distinctive triangular or skiff-like resting posture as an adult. The larvae are slug caterpillars, a characteristic form for the family Limacodidae.
Slossonella
Slossonella is a genus of slug caterpillar moths (family Limacodidae) described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1904. The genus contains species formerly placed in Hypargyria, including Slossonella slossonella (formerly Hypargyria slossonella), a snout moth known from Florida and Mexico. Species in this genus have multiple generations annually and are associated with specific host plants.
Tortricidia pallida
red-crossed button slug, abbreviated and red-crossed button slug moth
Tortricidia pallida, commonly known as the red-crossed button slug, is a moth species in the family Limacodidae. It occurs across eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to Minnesota and south to Louisiana. The species was first described by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1854. Its larvae feed on the leaves of various shrubs and trees.
Tortricidia testacea
warm-chevroned moth, Early Button Slug Moth
Tortricidia testacea, commonly known as the warm-chevroned moth or Early Button Slug Moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Missouri and Mississippi, with an additional record from South Carolina. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern and its larval association with several hardwood tree species.