Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Slug caterpillars are the most morphologically diverse and oddest appearing group of caterpillars in North America. Despite their highly variable body plan, slug caterpillars may be readily recognized by an examination of their venter. Instead of paired abdominal prolegs, they have medial suckers on the first 7 abdominal segments, which lack both prolegs and crochets. Their heads are often hidden from view, retracted well into the thorax. Many species have urticating spines, which in a few, can deliver a very painful sting. They are broadly polyphagous but show a preference for smooth-leafed trees and shrubs.
Monkey Slug (Phobetron pithecium) [Hag Moth] |
Saddleback Caterpillar (Sibine stimulea) |
Skiff Moth (Prolimacodes badia) |
Red-crossed Button Slug (Tortricidia pallida) |
Purple-crested Slug (Adoneta spinuloides) |
Spiny Oak Slug (Euclea delphinii) |
Pin-striped Slug (Monoleuca semifascia) |
Small Parasa (Parasa chloris) |
Crowned Slug (Isa textula) |
Yellow-shoulder Slug (Lithacodes fasciola) |