Urticating-spines
Guides
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.
Automeris
Eyed Silkmoths, Io Moths
Automeris is a large genus of silkmoths (Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) comprising approximately 145 described species distributed from eastern North America to Peru. Adults exhibit crypsis through leaf-mimicking forewings, while concealed hindwings bear conspicuous eyespots used in startle displays against predators. Larvae possess venom-bearing urticating spines that cause painful stings to humans and other animals. The genus is paraphyletic, with the genera Leucanella and Pseudautomeris nested within it.
Automeris cecrops
Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris cecrops is a saturniid moth distributed across Central America and North America. Adults possess large eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. Caterpillars bear urticating spines that deliver painful stings when handled. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within the Automeris cecrops complex.
Automeris cecrops pamina
Automeris cecrops pamina is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, occurring in southwestern North America and Middle America. As a member of the Automeris genus, adults possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. The caterpillars bear urticating spines capable of delivering a painful sting. This subspecies represents the western portion of the broader Automeris cecrops species complex.
Automeris io neomexicana
Io moth
Automeris io neomexicana is a subspecies of the Io moth, a large saturniid moth native to North America. The caterpillars possess urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings. Adults display prominent eyespots on the hindwings used to startle predators. This western subspecies occurs in the Great Plains and southwestern regions of the United States and Canada.
Automeris iris
Iris Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris iris is a silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, known as the iris eyed silkmoth. It occurs in Central and North America. Like other Automeris species, adults possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. The caterpillars bear urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings.
Automeris louisiana
Louisiana eyed silkmoth
Automeris louisiana, the Louisiana eyed silkmoth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It is native to North America and was described by Ferguson and Brou in 1981. Like other members of the genus Automeris, adults are characterized by prominent eyespots on the hindwings used for predator deterrence. The species has been subject to a petition for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, with a status review initiated in 2011.
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 electra
electra buckmoth
Hemileuca electra, the electra buckmoth, is a species of buck moth in the family Saturniidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by W. G. Wright in 1884. Three subspecies are recognized: H. e. clio, H. e. electra, and H. e. mojavensis. Like other Hemileuca species, it is a day-flying moth with larvae that possess urticating spines.
Hemileuca electra clio
A subspecies of sheep moth in the family Saturniidae. Hemileuca electra clio belongs to a genus of day-flying moths commonly known as sheep moths or buck moths, which are frequently mistaken for butterflies due to their colorful appearance. The genus Hemileuca is characterized by larvae bearing urticating (stinging) spines. As a subspecies of Hemileuca electra, it is part of a group showing significant geographic variation in coloration and pattern.
Hemileuca electra mojavensis
Hemileuca electra mojavensis is a subspecies of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, first described by Tuskes & McElfresh in 1993. As a member of the Hemileucinae subfamily, its larvae bear venomous spines characteristic of this group. The subspecies is associated with the Mojave Desert region and exhibits geographic variation typical of the Hemileuca electra species complex.
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 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.
Hemileucinae
Buck and Io Moths
Hemileucinae is a subfamily of Saturniidae containing approximately 630 species endemic to North and South America. The subfamily is characterized by larvae bearing venomous urticating spines or setae, with some species capable of causing severe medical reactions in humans. Notable genera include Lonomia, whose caterpillars can cause life-threatening envenomation, and Automeris, known for their striking eyespot patterns. Adults are typically medium to large moths with reduced or non-functional mouthparts.
Limacodidae
slug caterpillar moths, slug moths, cup moths
Limacodidae, commonly called slug caterpillar moths or cup moths, is a family of approximately 1800 described species of moths distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. The family derives its common name from the distinctive larval form: caterpillars are dorsoventrally flattened and move using ventral suckers rather than prolegs, resembling slugs in appearance and locomotion. Many larvae possess urticating spines or hairs capable of delivering painful stings. The family is also called "cup moths" for the distinctive circular, calcium-hardened cocoons constructed by larvae.
Megalopyge
flannel moths, puss moths
Megalopyge is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, commonly known as flannel moths or puss moths. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Larvae are densely covered in hair-like setae that conceal venomous spines, making them medically significant due to severe stinging reactions in humans. Adults are relatively small, stout-bodied moths with reduced mouthparts.
Megalopyge immaculata
Megalopyge immaculata is a moth species in the family Megalopygidae, described by Samuel E. Cassino in 1928. Like other members of this family, the larvae are likely to possess venomous urticating spines concealed beneath soft, hair-like setae. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal information available regarding its biology, distribution, or host associations.
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.
Megalopyge pyxidifera
Yellow Flannel Moth
Megalopyge pyxidifera, commonly known as the Yellow Flannel Moth, is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae. Described from the southern United States in 1797, this species belongs to a genus whose caterpillars are known for their dense, hair-like setae that conceal venomous urticating spines. The larvae of related Megalopyge species are among the most venomous caterpillars in North America, capable of delivering painful stings.
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.
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.