Elegant Tailed Slug Moth
Common NameElegant Tailed Slug Moth
Scientific NameApoda biguttata
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grayish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, cherry, hickory
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are distinctive, slug-like caterpillars, typically green and flattened, often possessing stinging hairs. They feed on the underside of leaves and pupate in a tough, silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its broad, rounded, mottled brown wings and stout body. While named 'Elegant Tailed Slug Moth', the adult moth does not have tails; the 'tailed' refers to the caterpillar. The two dark spots ('biguttata') are often faint or absent.
Description
A small, stout-bodied moth with broad, rounded wings that are mottled light brown to grayish-brown, often with darker speckles and a faint, darker median line.
