Monkey Slug (Hag Moth Caterpillar)

Deciduous forests, orchards, and residential gardens, typically found on the undersides of leaves of hardwood trees and ornamental shrubs.

Leaves of a wide variety of woody plants, including oak, dogwood, hickory, cherry, apple, maple, and willow trees.

This caterpillar mimics the shed skin of a tarantula or hairy spider to deter predators, possessing fleshy, hairy lobes ('arms') that extend from its body. It moves with a gliding, slug-like motion rather than crawling like typical caterpillars.

Risks: It possesses stinging (urticating) hairs hidden within its fleshy appendages. Contact with skin can cause a sting varying from mild itching to intense burning, swelling, and allergic reactions. Benefits: Serves as a food source for parasitoids and birds, part of the ecosystem's biodiversity.