Other Common Names
Slug Caterpillars (larvae)
Slug Moths (adults)
Explanation of Names
larvae move with a slug-like gliding motion
Numbers
50 species in 22 genera in North American listed at
All-Leps
all North American genera in this family belong to subfamily Limacodinae
Identification
Adult: body stout, often hairy; wings broad, rounded, often brown or yellowish with contrasting forewing markings; head small, retracted; antennae bipectinate in male, at least in basal half; abdomen often elevated and recurved when at rest, but this posture is not unique to slug moths
Larva: body variably naked to densely hairy, usually with stinging hairs; may be green, brown, or various other colors - often bright and/or strikingly patterned; surface may be smooth, bumpy, or ridged, sometimes with spines or spine-covered fleshy protuberances giving a bizarre appearance
Food
Caterpillars feed on woody and herbaceous plants.
(1)Life Cycle
overwinters as a larva in loose oval cocoon
Internet References
live adult images of numerous species by various photographers (Moth Photographers Group)
