Stinging-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.
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 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.
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 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.
Hemileuca chinatiensis
chinati sheepmoth, Chinati buck moth
Hemileuca chinatiensis, commonly known as the chinati sheepmoth or Chinati buck moth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. The species was described by Tinkham in 1943 and is native to North America. It belongs to the genus Hemileuca, which comprises 24 species in North America, commonly referred to as buck moths or sheep moths. These moths are diurnal and often mistaken for butterflies due to their bright coloration.
Hemileuca eglanterina shastaensis
Mount Shasta Sheep Moth
Hemileuca eglanterina shastaensis is a subspecies of sheep moth in the family Saturniidae, endemic to the Mount Shasta region of northern California. As a member of the Hemileuca genus, it is a day-flying moth with reduced mouthparts that does not feed as an adult. The subspecies exhibits the characteristic orange and black coloration typical of H. eglanterina, though with geographic variation associated with its isolated mountain habitat. Like other buck moths, its larvae possess urticating spines that can deliver painful stings.
Hemileuca juno
Juno buck moth, Juno buckmoth
Hemileuca juno is a saturniid moth in the subfamily Hemileucinae, commonly known as the Juno buck moth. First described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1872, this species occurs in Central and North America. Like other members of the genus Hemileuca, it is a day-flying moth with larvae that possess urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings. The species is assigned Hodges number 7735.
Hemileuca peigleri
Texas buck moth
Hemileuca peigleri, the Texas buck moth, is a day-flying saturniid moth endemic to central Texas. Adults are short-lived and do not feed, relying on fat reserves accumulated during larval development. The species is closely associated with oak habitats, where larvae feed on several oak species. Taxonomic status has been debated, with some authorities treating it as a subspecies of Hemileuca maia, though it is currently recognized as a distinct species.
Hemileuca slosseri
Slosser's buckmoth, nit-grass moth
Hemileuca slosseri is a species of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, described in 1989 by Richard S. Peigler and Stephen E. Stone. It is found in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States including New Mexico and adjacent Oklahoma. The species is associated with oak habitats, with larvae feeding on Havard shin-oak (Quercus havardii). Like other Hemileuca species, it is diurnal and possesses urticating (stinging) spines as larvae.
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 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
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.
Megalopyge opercularis
southern flannel moth, puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, puss moth, tree asp, asp caterpillar
Megalopyge opercularis is a moth in the family Megalopygidae, notable for its highly venomous larval stage and strikingly different adult form. The caterpillar, known as the puss caterpillar, is densely covered in hair-like setae that conceal venomous spines capable of delivering extremely painful stings. The adult, called the southern flannel moth, is covered in soft fur ranging from dull orange to lemon yellow. The species has two broods annually in much of its range, with late-season larvae sometimes overwintering in cocoons.
Megalopyge opercularis bissesa
Southern Flannel Moth, Puss Caterpillar
Megalopyge opercularis bissesa is a subspecies of southern flannel moth, commonly known as the puss caterpillar in its larval stage. The caterpillar is covered in dense, soft-looking hair that conceals venomous urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings. Found in the southeastern United States from the Mid-Atlantic to Florida and Texas, this insect feeds on various woody plants including oak, hickory, and apple. The caterpillar's distinctive appearance—resembling a tiny, hairy cat or 'Cousin Itt' from The Addams Family—belies its defensive capabilities.
Megalopygidae
New World Flannel Moths, Flannel Moths, Crinkled Flannel Moths
Megalopygidae is a family of moths occurring in North America and the New World tropics, with larvae commonly known as puss caterpillars or asps. The caterpillars are covered in long, soft hairs that conceal hollow venomous spines capable of delivering severe stings. The family contains two subfamilies in the United States: Megalopyginae (genus Megalopyge, 7 species) and Trosiinae (genera Norape and Trosia, 5 species). The venom system is unique among Lepidoptera, consisting of aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins called megalysins that were recruited via horizontal gene transfer from bacteria.
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.
Norape
Norape is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, commonly known as flannel moths. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1855 and contains approximately 60 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Caterpillars of at least some species, including N. ovina (white flannel moth), possess urticating hairs that deliver painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of the subfamily Trosiinae within the Megalopygidae family.
Norape sorpresa
Norape sorpresa is a recently described species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, first characterized by Wagner and Matson in 2022. Like other members of its genus, the caterpillars possess urticating hairs that can deliver painful stings when touched. The species belongs to a group of moths known for their concealed defensive structures beneath soft, hair-like setae. As a newly described taxon, detailed information about its biology and distribution remains limited.
Norape tener
Mesquite Stinger Moth
Norape tener is a flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1897. The common name "mesquite stinger moth" refers to the larval host plants and the defensive stinging hairs possessed by caterpillars in this genus. Adults are small white moths with distinctive dark markings on the wings and thorax. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Norape virgo
Virgin flannel moth, White flannel moth
Norape virgo is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. The species name derives from Latin 'virgo' meaning virgin, referring to the all-white adult coloration. It occurs from southern Texas and southern Arizona south to Colombia. Adults are smaller than the related Norape walkeri, with shorter, broader, and less glossy forewings. The larvae feed on legumes and possess urticating hairs that can deliver painful stings.
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.
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.