YELLOW-SHOULDERED SLUG MOTH

YELLOW-SHOULDERED SLUG MOTH

Lithacodes fasciola
SLUG CATERPILLAR MOTHS (Limacodidae)

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The Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth has a wingspan of about 1 inch. The brown-orange forewing is crossed by a white postmedial line which is underlined by a thick black band. The thin black subterminal line angles across the apex. The hindwing is pale tan and unmarked except for light brown veining. The caterpillar is green and oval-shaped. The head is usually retracted into the thorax. The surface of the body is pocked with yellow-edged depressions. It grows to 5/8 inch.

 

The frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. It has been photographed at Neale Woods in early June 2016 coming to lights.

 

Hostplants are deciduous trees and shrubs including apple, hickory, honey locust, ironwood, linden and oak. The caterpillar has no prolegs. Instead it has medial suckers on the first 7 abdominal segments. This enables the caterpillar to glide rather than crawl. Another common name is Ochre-winged Hag Moth.

 

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