Skiff Moth (Prolimacodes badia)
The skiff moth is a species belonging to the family of slug moths found in North America. It gets its name from its larval stage, which looks like a skiff, a single-person rowing boat.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Limacodidae
- Genus: Prolimacodes
- Scientific Name: Prolimacodes badia
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larva is green, oval, and hairless. Its rear area forms a hump covering it from head to end.
Pupa
Pupation takes place after the larvae mature.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are open, they are pale brown with white tinted edges. A semi-circular dark brown patch containing a black dot covers most of the forewing. When the wings are closed, the brown patch remains prominent.
Hindwing: When the wings are open, they are brown. When the wings are closed, the brown color cannot be distinguished.
Average wingspan: 2.4 -3.5 cm
Flight Pattern: Erratic
Season: May to September
Egg
After mating, the females lay eggs.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | New Hampshire to Florida, west to southern Ontario, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri |
| Habitat | Woodlands |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Birch, blueberry, cherry, chestnut, Hophornbeam, oak, poplar, Sweetgale, and willow |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- German entomologist Jacob Hubner first described this species in 1822.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Limacodidae
- Genus: Prolimacodes
- Scientific Name: Prolimacodes badia
