Spiny Oak Slug Moth (Euclea delphinii)
The spiny oak slug moth is a member of the slug moth family, found in parts of North America.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Limacodidae
- Genus: Euclea
- Scientific Name: Euclea delphinii
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Primarily green, but also brown, pink, red, or yellow. It is flat instead of tubular and is covered with yellow or orange stinging spines. They are around 20 mm long.
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Pupa
After the larvae mature, pupation begins.
Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are open, they are brown with mint-green patches. When the wings are closed, the colors are still observable.
Hindwing: When the wings are open, a pale gray-brown color is observed. When the wings are closed, the colors can still be seen.
Average wingspan: 19-31 mm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: late spring to late autumn
Egg
The eggs are laid in clusters or singly on leaves.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | North America; Quebec and New Brunswick to Florida, west to Texas, north to Minnesota |
| Habitat | Deciduous forests |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Apple, ash, basswood, beech, birch, blueberry, cherry, chestnut, hackberry, hickory, maple, oak, poplar, sycamore, and willow |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- When humans touch the spines, they can embed themselves into the skin, causing burning, itching, irritation, pain, and redness.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Limacodidae
- Genus: Euclea
- Scientific Name: Euclea delphinii
