Horrid Slug Moth
Common NameHorrid Slug Moth
Scientific NameAcharia horrida
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark reddish-brown, blackish-brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, plantations, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America
Host Plantscoffee, cacao, citrus, palm, banana, avocado, mango, various broadleaf trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctive slug-like caterpillars, often brightly colored and covered in urticating (stinging) spines, feeding on a wide range of host plants before pupating in a tough, oval cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the robust body, tent-like wing posture, and uniform dark reddish-brown coloration; the larvae are highly distinctive slug caterpillars with stinging spines.
Description
A robust-bodied moth with broad, dark reddish-brown to blackish-brown forewings held tent-like over the body at rest, often with subtle darker markings.
