Apicalis Slug Moth
Common NameApicalis Slug Moth
Scientific NameAcharia apicalis
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, yellow, cream
HabitatTropical forests, woodlands, and agricultural areas
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil)
Host Plantscoffee, cacao, palm trees, various broadleaf trees
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slug-like, lacking prolegs, and often possess urticating (stinging) spines for defense. They pupate in tough, oval cocoons, often attached to host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include its dark brown to black coloration, stout body, and the two prominent yellow or cream spots on each forewing. Males typically have distinctive bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
Description
A stout-bodied moth with broad, dark brown to black forewings, each marked with two small, distinct yellow or cream spots. The hindwings are typically a uniform dark color.
