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Saddleback Caterpillar Moth (Acharia stimulea)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Saddleback Caterpillar Moth


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Saddleback Caterpillars have stinging spines that reinforce the wisdom in not touching something that looks so strange and spiky.



Updated: 09/20/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
The Saddleback Caterpillar is covered in short hairs that sting when touched, meant to deter predators from trying to eat it. These same hairs can sometimes leave a rash on a poking person, too. It is a member of the Slug Caterpillar Moth family and has suckers underneath the body in place of some legs. This allows it to defy gravity and walk along the underside of leaves and branches when feeding. This species is not a picky eater and feeds on a variety grasses, trees, and shrubs.

This highly unusual caterpillar becomes a dark brown moth and less conspicuous as an adult. The when wings are opened flat, you can see that the moth has a small white spot on its forewings near its body, and two or three white spots near the tips of the wings. The summer season is its most active time of year.©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Hairy insect icon
Patterned insect icon
Insect stinger icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Limacodidae
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          Genus: Acharia
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            Species: stimulea

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Acharia stimulea
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 26mm to 46mm (1.02" to 1.81")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: pruple; brown; white; black; gray
Descriptors: flying; stinging;caterpillar; white spots; velvet


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 26mm (1.0in) and 46mm (1.8in)
Lo: 26mm
Md: 36mm
Hi: 46mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Saddleback Caterpillar 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 Saddleback Caterpillar Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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