The distinctive Hag Moth has an even more unusual caterpillar so peculiar that needed its own name: Monkey Slug.
Hag Moth Videos
Stinging hairs on the caterpillar of the Hag Moth cause pain for those who pet it.
The Hag Moth is a member of the Slug Caterpillar Moth family. Many of the larvae (caterpillars) of these moths are visual oddities. Covered in a brown, short-haired coat, the tentacle-like arms extend and reach out as the caterpillar crawls, giving the appearance of a terrestrial octopus. These lobes are delicate and a few may be missing. Though other hairy caterpillars have a reputation for prickly defenses, this caterpillar does not sting. Quite often, the caterpillars of this family attract more interest than the adult moths.
Hag Moths are extremely furry. Tufts of hair extend from every leg. Both genders are a dark mottled brown, though males have translucent wings. Females are larger than males and have light ivory hair on their legs while males do not. Adults are rarely seen but can be found in forests, woods and fields from late spring through summer.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Limacodidae
Genus:Phobetron
Species:pithecium
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Phobetron pithecium
Other Name(s): Monkey Slug Caterpillar
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 28mm (0.78in to 1.09in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
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Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
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Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown, black, white, tan
