Insect
Skiff Moth
Prolimacodes badiaAlso known as Skiff Slug Moth, Skiff Slug Caterpillar Moth
Skiff moths earn their common name from their larvae, which resemble tiny green-and-brown inverted boats gliding along leaf surfaces. Adults hold their rich chestnut brown and buff wings folded in a steep tent posture that mimics dried leaves or bits of tree bark. Found throughout eastern broadleaf forests, they produce larvae that feed quietly on oaks, birches, and cherries without the stinging spines typical of related slug caterpillars.
NocturnalWoodlandCryptic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyOak foliage, Birch leaves, Cherry foliage
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Bats
- Parasitic wasps
ThreatsPesticide spraying, habitat loss, artificial light pollution
HabitatsDeciduous forests, mixed woodlands, suburban parks
Life span1–2 weeks (adults); 1 year (total lifecycle)
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyLimacodidae
- GenusProlimacodes
- SpeciesProlimacodes badia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Attracting: Visit blacklights set near eastern oak forests from May to August to spot adults.
- Larval Spotting: Search the undersides of broadleaf tree foliage in late summer for smooth green larvae.
Host Plant (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Skiff Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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