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Spiny Oak Slug Moth (Euclea delphinii)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Spiny Oak Slug Moth


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The stinging Spiny Oak Slug is no where near as sweet to handle as its chocolate-colored and minty green adult form.



Updated: 01/05/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Spiny Oak Slug Moths can be found on or near deciduous forests. Adults are nocturnal, but attracted to lights at night. Their bodies are brown. The forewings have patches of minty green, and a dark brown patch as well. The hindwings are brown. They fly from late spring to late autumn in some places. Cold weather limits the moth to one generation in the north, but it can produce two generations in the south.

Caterpillars may be light green, yellow, pink tan, or even a reddish-brown. It is wide and flat unlike the more typical tubular caterpillar shape. Rows of yellow or orange stinging spines line the caterpillar from head to rear. Pairs at the head and the rear are longer than those running down the center of the body. These spines contain venom meant to deter predators from eating it. When touched by humans, the spines can embed themselves into skin and cause pain, itching, burning, irritation, and redness. If stung, one should use fresh pieces of (Scotch) tape to help pull the spines out of the skin right away, and ice the area. Covering it with a baking soda paste helps reduce pain and redness by neutralizing some of the venom. Though it is not considered lethal, people allergic to other types of insect stings may have also a serious reaction to this caterpillar that requires medical attention.

Despite its name, the caterpillars are not host-specific and feed on thick, old leaves growing on willow, cherry, sycamore, chestnut, redbud and other deciduous trees besides oak. This diverse diet means they are ubiquitous. They are not known to feed on a plant enough to cause any real damage to it.©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
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Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Limacodidae
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          Genus: Euclea
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            Species: delphinii

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Euclea delphinii
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 30mm (0.78" to 1.18")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; green; black; copper; orange
Descriptors: flying; furry; mint; spots; spines


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 20mm (0.8in) and 30mm (1.2in)
Lo: 20mm
Md: 25mm
Hi: 30mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Spiny Oak Slug Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Spiny Oak Slug Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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