Slug Caterpillar (specifically, likely a Skiff Moth caterpillar or Hag Moth caterpillar)
Scientific Name: Prolimacodes badia (Skiff Moth) or Phobetron pithecium (Hag Moth)
Order & Family: Lepidoptera (Order), Limacodidae (Family)
Size: Approx. 12-15 mm (0.5 inches) long when mature.
Natural Habitat
Deciduous forests, wooded areas, and gardens across eastern North America, particularly on oak, maple, and cherry trees.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; feeds on the leaves of a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, including chestnut, oak, and wild cherry.
Behavior Patterns
The caterpillar is known for its distinct shape; rather than standard prolegs, it has sucker-like discs that allow it to glide like a slug. It is slow-moving and relies on its cryptic coloration (resembling a dried or curled leaf) for camouflage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Some species in this family ( Limacodidae) have stinging spines, though the Skiff Moth caterpillar typically does not possess stinging hairs and is generally harmless to handle. However, caution is always advised with slug caterpillars. Benefits: A natural part of the food web, serving as prey for birds and other insects.
Identified on: 2/19/2026