Oriental Yellow-tailed Slug Moth
Common NameOriental Yellow-tailed Slug Moth
Scientific NameMonema flavescens
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsyellow, brown
HabitatForests, woodlands, orchards, tea plantations
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam)
Host Plantstea, oak, chestnut, apple
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe caterpillar is slug-like, typically green or yellowish, and lacks prominent urticating spines. It forms a distinctive hard, egg-shaped cocoon, often attached to twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsLook for the striking bicolored forewings with a clear demarcation between the yellow basal/costal area and the brown outer area, combined with a robust, yellowish body.
Description
This moth has a stout, yellowish body and forewings that are bright yellow at the base and along the costa, transitioning to a reddish-brown or tan color in the outer and posterior areas, often with a subtle darker central patch.
