Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada

Genus Acharia

Saddleback Caterpillar Moth - Acharia stimulea - male  Saddleback caterpillar - Acharia stimulea - Acharia stimulea Purple-crested Slug Moth - Hodges #4685 - Acharia stimulea Saddleback moth caterpillar - Acharia stimulea Saddleback Caterpillar  - Acharia stimulea Saddleback Caterpillar - Acharia stimulea Acharia stimulea Saddleback Caterpillar Moth  - Acharia stimulea Saddleback caterpillar - Acharia stimulea
Show images of: caterpillars · adults · both
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily Zygaenoidea (Flannel, Slug Caterpillar, Leaf Skeletonizer Moths and kin)
Family Limacodidae (Slug Caterpillar Moths)
Genus Acharia
Remarks
Formerly Sibine.

Saddleback caterpiller
We have 1-1/2 acres in Maryland with many elephant ears and castor plants. Last summer my husband was stung by one of these in the vegetable garden. After identifying the culprit we noticed that this year we have many more so we know to avoid them. I've seen at least 5 or 6 this year. If you see that a large leaf has been chewed on, it is a sure sign that one of the buggers is underneath. We warn the kids to stay away from them. I wonder if their poison is enhanced by eating the poisonous caster bean leaves?
Thanks for the picture of the moth - we will know to dispose of them, too, if we see them.