Gelatin Slug Caterpillar (Likely a Spiny Oak Slug or similar Limacodid larva)

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens; commonly found on leaves of oak, cherry, maple, and willow trees.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on the foliage of a wide variety of hardwood trees and shrubs, skeletonizing the leaves.

Behavior Patterns

Unlike typical caterpillars with prolegs, these larvae move in a slug-like gliding motion using suckers. They are slow-moving and rely on their cryptic, sometimes translucent appearance for camouflage against leaves.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: While interesting to look at, many slug caterpillars possess stinging spines (sometimes hidden or small on early instars) that can cause painful skin irritation, rashes, or nausea in humans. Benefit: They serve as a food source for birds and other predators within the ecosystem, contributing to the food web.

Identified on: 2/19/2026