Insect · GBIF taxon 9776414
Saddleback Caterpillar Moth
Acharia stimuleaAlso known as Saddleback Caterpillar, Saddleback Slug Moth
Saddleback caterpillars are famous for their vibrant green bodies wrapped in a dark central saddle pattern, but their striking appearance serves as a clear warning. Dense clusters of hollow horns inject venom upon contact, causing severe burning and skin irritation. Adults transform into unassuming, velvety chocolate brown moths that fly short distances at night without feeding.
StingingCaterpillarNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Oak Leaves
- Maple Leaves
- Apple Leaves
Predators
- Braconid Wasps
- Assassin Bugs
- Songbirds
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation and broad-spectrum pesticide usage
HabitatsDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban gardens, and orchards
Life span1 year total life cycle; adults live 1–2 weeks
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyLimacodidae
- GenusAcharia
- SpeciesAcharia stimulea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Spines inject stinging venom upon contact; observe without touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Larvae possess hollow spines that inject venom on contact, causing intense burning pain, swelling, and localized blistering.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognize larvae by their bright green sweater-like body with a dark brown central saddle patch bordered in white.
- What to do
- Never touch larvae directly; if contact occurs, use sticky tape to pull remaining spines out of skin.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Check broadleaf foliage in late summer for distinct green and brown larvae.
- Safety: Avoid brushing against garden shrubs where caterpillars rest beneath leaves.
- Relocation: Move caterpillars using a twig rather than gloves to prevent spines penetrating fabric.
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Saddleback Caterpillar Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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