The adult Skiff Moth's black and tan colors help hide it among leaf litter and tree branches.
The Skiff Moth is a member of the Slug Moth family. This means that its larval form, the caterpillar, looks more like a slug than the typical, leggy, worm-like caterpillar most people are used to seeing. The green, oval-shaped caterpillar is hairless and the dorsal (back) side is raised forming a ramp-like mound from head to rear. This section of the back may be green or brown. The side ridges are raised near the highest point, making the caterpillar to look more like a dying leaf than an insect to predators. They are often found eating the leaves of a variety of trees and plants like blueberry bushes, oak, poplar and willow trees, and sweetgale. One generation is produced each year. The adults are on the wing from late spring through September.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Limacodidae
Genus:Prolimacodes
Species:badia
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Prolimacodes badia
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 24mm to 35mm (0.94in to 1.37in)
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.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
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, tan, white, green
