Slug-moth
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 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.
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.
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.
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 beutenmuelleri
Spun Glass Slug Moth
Isochaetes beutenmuelleri, commonly known as the spun glass slug moth, is a small moth in the family Limacodidae. It is named for its distinctive pupal stage, which appears nearly transparent and is covered in spiny, venomous hairs. The species is native to the eastern and central United States, where its larvae feed on oak and beech trees.
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 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.
Monema
slug moths, cup moths
Monema is a genus of medium-sized yellowish moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths or cup moths. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across East and Southeast Asia. Members are notable for their larval morphology: caterpillars are flattened, legless in appearance, and move using suckers and liquefied silk lubricant in a wave-like motion resembling slugs. The genus includes significant forestry pests, particularly Monema flavescens, which has been introduced to North America.
Monema flavescens
Oriental moth
Monema flavescens is a medium-sized moth in the family Limacodidae (slug moths or cup moths), native to East Asia. Adults exhibit yellowish coloration typical of the genus, with males having a wingspan of 30–32 mm and females 35–39 mm. The larvae are polyphagous defoliators of broadleaf trees, bearing urticating spines that can affect human health. The species has one to two generations per year depending on region, with adults active from late June to August. It has been introduced to Massachusetts, USA, and is considered a potential quarantine pest for Europe.
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.
Natada nasoni
Nason's Slug Moth, Nason's Slug
Natada nasoni is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, distributed across the eastern and central United States from Missouri to the Atlantic coast, with range extending south to the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The larvae possess stinging spines and feed on smooth-leaved woody plants. Adults are attracted to blacklights.
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.