Fauna
Insect

Crowned Slug Moth

Isa textula

Also known as Crowned Slug, Skiff Moth

Crowned slug caterpillars are known for their flattened, pale green bodies bordered by stinging, spine-bearing projections that resemble an ornate crown. Adults are cryptic, warm brown moths that rest with their wings tightly tented over compact bodies, flying during midsummer nights across eastern deciduous woodlands. Larvae feed primarily on the undersides of broadleaf tree leaves before overwintering as pupae enclosed in smooth, cup-like silk cocoons hidden in the leaf litter.

NocturnalCaterpillarWoodland
Crowned Slug Moth reference
(c) christine123, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by christine123 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyOak foliage, Cherry leaves, Hickory leaves
Predators
  • Parasitoid wasps
  • Tachinid flies
  • Insectivorous birds
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide applications and artificial light pollution
HabitatsDeciduous forests, riparian woodlands, and suburban parks
Life span1–2 weeks (adult); up to 1 year for full life cycle
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyLimacodidae
  3. GenusIsa
  4. SpeciesIsa textula
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Larval spines cause painful skin rashes; observe caterpillars closely without touching.
Why it is dangerous
Larval spines contain urticating toxins that provoke localized burning pain, contact dermatitis, and itchy welts upon skin contact.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a translucent green, flattened oval caterpillar fringed with branching, spine-tipped tubercles along the margins.
What to do
Never handle larvae bare-handed; use a detached leaf or stick if relocation is necessary.
Responsible observation
  • Safe viewing: Inspect the undersides of low oak and cherry branches without touching the larvae.
  • Night lighting: Hang a white sheet near a blacklight in July to attract resting adult moths.
  • First aid: Press sticky tape over contact sites to lift embedded spines if brushed against.
Related species
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Found in Collections

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Moonlight Marvels

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