Slug-caterpillar
Guides
Acharia
Saddleback Caterpillar Moths and Allies
Acharia is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as saddleback caterpillar moths. The genus is notable for larvae with urticating (stinging) hairs and distinctive saddleback patterning. Some species, particularly Acharia stimulea, are well-known in North America for their painful stings. Other species such as Acharia fusca have become invasive agricultural pests in oil palm plantations.
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.
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.
Alarodia
Alarodia is a genus of slug caterpillar moths (Limacodidae) established by Möschler in 1886. The genus includes species that are agricultural pests of Citrus in Jamaica, with larvae causing severe defoliation. Adults are nocturnal and weak fliers. The genus has been documented through both field observations and laboratory rearing studies.
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).
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.
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 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.
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.
Parasa
slug moths
Parasa is a pantropical genus of slug moths (family Limacodidae) characterized by adults with green-banded forewings and larvae possessing stinging hairs. The genus was established by Frederic Moore in 1860 and contains numerous species distributed across Asia, the Americas, and other tropical regions. Recent taxonomic revisions have clarified the identity of the type species P. chloris and used DNA barcoding to resolve relationships among morphologically similar species. The genus includes both generalist and specialist herbivores, with at least one species documented as the first conifer-feeding specialist in the family.
Phobetron
hag moth, monkey slug
Phobetron is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, containing at least four described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus is notable for its distinctive caterpillars, commonly called "monkey slugs" or "hag moths," which possess stinging urticating spines concealed beneath a cloak of hair-like setae. These caterpillars are polyphagous and feed on a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants. The genus includes the well-known species Phobetron pithecium, whose caterpillar is frequently encountered in eastern North America.
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.