Fauna
Insect

Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth

Lithacodes fasciola

Also known as Ochre-winged Hag Moth, Yellow-shouldered Slug

Yellow-shouldered slug moths are small, striking nocturnal moths recognized by the bright yellow or ochre patches at the base of their warm brown forewings. Their larvae are translucent green, turtle-shaped slug caterpillars that glide smoothly across the undersides of leaves in broadleaf deciduous woodlands. Unlike some of their stinging relatives in the slug moth family, these caterpillars are harmless and rely on camouflage to avoid predators.

NocturnalCaterpillarHardwood Forest
Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyOak leaves, Maple leaves, Hickory leaves
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Bats
  • Spiders
ThreatsPesticide application and artificial light pollution.
HabitatsDeciduous forests, hardwood woodlands, and wooded parks.
Life span1–2 weeks as adults; 1 year total life cycle.
Classification
  1. FamilyLimacodidae
  2. SpeciesLithacodes fasciola
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
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Night Observation: Attracted to light sources such as blacklights set up near forest edges.
  • Leaf Inspection: Look on the undersides of hardwood tree leaves in summer for caterpillars.
  • Handling Caution: Handle caterpillars gently to avoid stressing the insect.
Related species
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