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.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Hag 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 Hag Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.