Saddleback Caterpillar Moths mating
Acharia stimulea
40.8684, -75.608
Field Notes
Description:
Family: Limacodidae (Slug moths) Male and female mating; female are larger than males. Small, chunky moth that hold their rounded wings in a tentlike position at rest. Total length: 14-22 mm. Chocolate brown FW is marked with peppery ash gray streaks. Strictly nocturnal. A short black basal dash ends at a small white dot. Hosts: Various deciduous trees and bushes such as apple, blueberry, elm, maple and oak.
Habitat:
Fields, lawns, meadows, open woods, farms wherever host trees are found. Came to light.
Notes:
Last year, the host plant was Winged Burning Bush. I found 9 of these caterpillars. Mating very high up hanging from the ceiling of my front porch area. Even with a chair, this photo was about 3 x macro. Very difficult shot especially since it was so dark.
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