Chinese Slug Moth
Common NameChinese Slug Moth
Scientific NameThosea sinensis
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, orchards, tea plantations
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka)
Host Plantstea, rose, apple, pear, plum, cherry, oak, willow, citrus, coffee, castor bean
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctive slug-like caterpillars, green and flattened, covered with urticating (stinging) spines. They pupate in a hard, oval cocoon.
Identification TipsAdults are recognized by their plain brown forewings with two subtle, darker transverse lines. The highly distinctive slug-like, spiny caterpillar is a key identification feature for the species.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with light brown to reddish-brown forewings, typically marked with two faint, parallel darker transverse lines. The body is stout and hairy.
