Green Oak-Slug Moth
Common NameGreen Oak-Slug Moth
Scientific NameEuclea delphinii
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsgreen, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, cherry, maple, willow, birch, chestnut, hackberry
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are distinctive slug-like caterpillars, often brightly colored with stinging spines, feeding on the underside of leaves. They pupate in a hard, oval, seed-like cocoon, often attached to a twig or leaf litter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the unique bright green, roughly triangular patch on its forewings, sharply outlined by a reddish-brown border. The furry brown body and head are also characteristic.
Description
A small, stout-bodied moth characterized by a prominent, bright green patch on its forewings, bordered by a rich reddish-brown. Its head and thorax are densely covered in furry brown scales.
