Saddleback caterpillar

Saddleback Caterpillar
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Limacodidae
Genus: Acharia
Species: A. stimulea
Binomial name
Acharia stimulea
(Clemens, 1860)
Synonyms
  • Empretia stimulea Clemens, 1860
  • Limacodes ephippiatus Harris, 1869
  • Sibine ephippiatus Kirby, 1892
  • Sibene stimulea

The saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (formerly Sibene stimulea), is the larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae.

The caterpillar is primarily green with brown at either end and a prominent white-ringed brown dot in the center which resembles a saddle. It has a pair of fleshy horns at either end. These and most of the rest of the body bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Contact with the hairs causes a painful, swollen rash and sometimes nausea in humans.[1] The hairs should be removed from the skin immediately to prevent more venom spread. The cocoon may also have irritating hairs and hairs from the larva can fall on surrounding objects.[2]

The larva feeds on a large variety of plants. In Florida and Alabama, it feeds on ornamental palms such as the Manila palm (Adonidia merrillii).

The adult is a dark brown, stout-bodied moth.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Acharia stimulea.
Wikispecies has information related to: Acharia stimulea
  1. Hyche, L. L. Stinging Caterpillars: A Guide to Recognition of Species Found on Alabama Trees. Entomology. Auburn University. 1998.
  2. Bibbs, C. S. and J. H. Frank. Acharia stimulea (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). EENY-522. University of Florida IFAS. 2012.
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