Lithacodes fasciola
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Limacodidae
Genus: Lithacodes
Species:
L. fasciola
Binomial name
Lithacodes fasciola

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 the 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 have 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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Wagner, DL, 2005. Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press
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