Shagreened Slug Moth
Common NameShagreened Slug Moth
Scientific NameApoda biguttata
FamilyLimacodidae
SubfamilyLimacodinae
Wingspan (mm)21.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorstan, reddish-orange, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsoak, maple, beech, birch, cherry, hickory, chestnut, willow, dogwood
Flight PeriodLate May to early September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are slug-like, flattened, and green, feeding on the underside of host plant leaves. They pupate in a hard, spherical cocoon, often attached to a twig or leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive reddish-orange patches on the forewings, particularly the larger, somewhat triangular patch near the outer margin and a smaller, rounder spot closer to the wing base. The overall fuzzy appearance and rounded wing shape when at rest are also characteristic.
Description
A small, fuzzy moth with light tan to brownish forewings marked by two prominent reddish-orange patches, one larger near the tornus and a smaller one near the costa.
