| Lithacodes fasciola | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Genus: | Lithacodes |
| Species: | L. fasciola |
| Binomial name | |
| Lithacodes fasciola ((Herrich-Schäffer 1854) ) | |
Lithacodes fasciola, the yellow-shouldered slug or ochre-winged hag moth, is a moth of the family Limacodidae.
Lifecycle
One generation a year occurs in the north, but two or more in southern United States, so mature caterpillars may be found from May to November.[1]
Larva
The larva is flattened and ovoid in outline, with a short, squared off "tail". It is a bright yellow green with yellow and green stripes along its length. Small craters dot its topside. Maximum length is 15 mm.[1] Like all limacodids, the legs are shortened and the prolegs are reduced to suction cups. A high proportion of larvae has parasitoids. Their presence can be determined before emergence by a black spot formed by the breathing siphon of the fly.
Pupa
This species pupates in a cup-shaped cocoon with a circular escape hatch.
Adult
The small (1 cm) moth is "hairy" and brown, with a white stripe bordered in black across the fore wings, black spots, and a black crescent. The under wing is a paler grey brown.[1]
Food plants
This moth eats a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, such as apple, beech, birch, blueberry, cherry, chestnut, hickory, honey locust, hornbeam, linden, maple, oak, and willow.
Gallery
Larva, Delton, Michigan
Larva
Larvae in a research facility, Washington, DC
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References
External links
- Moths of Maryland image