Urticating-caterpillar
Guides
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.
Automeris io
Io moth, peacock moth
Automeris io is a colorful North American saturniid moth with sexual dimorphism in adult coloration: males are bright yellow, females reddish-brown to purple. Both sexes possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used in anti-predator displays. The caterpillars are gregarious, bright green with red and white lateral stripes, and possess venomous urticating spines that cause painful stings. Adults are nocturnal, lack functional mouthparts, and live 1–2 weeks. Populations have declined in parts of their range, particularly in New England, due to habitat loss and parasitism by introduced biological control agents.
Hemileuca
Sheepmoths, Buck Moths
Hemileuca is a genus of North American saturniid moths comprising approximately 32 recognized species. These moths are notable for their diurnal activity, rapid and erratic flight, and highly variable coloration ranging from muted grays and browns to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. The genus is adapted to hot, dry habitats including deserts, chaparral, and mountain regions, with life history traits synchronized to avoid harsh summer conditions. Caterpillars possess urticating spines that deliver painful stings to humans.
Hemileuca
sheep moth, buck moth
Hemileuca n-sp is an undescribed species of sheep moth or buck moth in the family Saturniidae. The genus Hemileuca comprises 24 recognized species in North America, with additional cryptic diversity likely to be resolved through ongoing DNA studies. These moths are diurnal, fast-flying, and often brightly colored, leading to frequent misidentification as butterflies. Males are subject to fatal attraction by Argiope spiders, which mimic female moth pheromones to lure prey. The genus exhibits substantial geographic variation in coloration and morphology, with some species ranging from nearly white to nearly black depending on locality.
Hemileuca hualapai
Hualapai Buckmoth
Hemileuca hualapai, the Hualapai buckmoth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It is native to Central America and North America. The species was described by Neumoegen in 1883 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7728. As a member of the genus Hemileuca, it shares characteristics with other buckmoths including diurnal flight activity and caterpillars with urticating spines.
Hemileuca maia
buck moth
Hemileuca maia, commonly known as the buck moth, is a saturniid moth native to eastern North America. The species has expanded its range northward in recent decades. Adults are diurnal and do not feed. Larvae feed gregariously on oak foliage and possess urticating spines capable of causing painful reactions in humans and animals. The species has one generation per year, with eggs overwintering on host twigs. Recent taxonomic research has clarified the complex evolutionary relationships within the H. maia-nevadensis species complex, elevating several previously synonymized populations to species status.
Hemileuca nuttalli
Nuttall's Sheep Moth, Nuttall's Buck Moth
Hemileuca nuttalli, or Nuttall's sheep moth, is a medium-sized saturniid moth native to western North America. It is one of approximately 24 species in the genus Hemileuca, commonly known as buck moths or sheep moths. The species exhibits distinctive yellow-orange and black wing patterning and has urticating larvae that feed on woody shrubs. Adults are diurnal and do not feed. In behavioral studies, male H. nuttalli showed no attraction to Argiope aurantia spider pheromone lures, unlike some closely related species, suggesting potential predator-prey coevolutionary dynamics.