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Sloth Moths (Parasa schausi complex), family Limacodidae, Costa Rica

photograph by Casey Owen

#moth #limacodidae #parasa #lepidoptera #insect #entomology #animals #nature #central america

This species of nettle caterpillar was introduced from India or China to Japan around one hundred years ago. It looks beautiful but, as its name suggests, its hairs give you painful stings.

#moth #caterpillar #larva #insect #bug #Parasa lepida #Parasa #Limacodidae

Parasa Indetermina caterpillar by Colin Hutton

#photography #caterpillar #parasa #indetermina #colors #tentacles #butterfly

Parasa indetermina or the Stinging Rose Slug is by far my favorite limacodid. #stingingrosecaterpillar #parasaindetermina #limacodidae #parasa #slugmoth #candymoth #candybutton #itsadorable #insects_of_our_world #insects_macro #igclubbutterfly #igcb_mothmondays https://www.instagram.com/p/BqlJOjjFo8A/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1msgtz2tirur

#stingingrosecaterpillar #parasaindetermina #limacodidae #parasa #slugmoth #candymoth #candybutton #itsadorable #insects_of_our_world #insects_macro #igclubbutterfly #igcb_mothmondays

Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina), Fishers Island NY. August 2016.

As the name implies, the stinging rose caterpillar sports beautiful red and orange, tentacle-like appendages that mature into yellow, giving it a look more akin to a sea slug than a caterpillar. Each other these appendages bear stinging barbs that pack a powerful punch for a small insect, and enough of a sting to deter birds from trying to make it a meal a second time.

These caterpillars can be found on many different trees and shrubs, including apple, cherry, maple, oak, poplar, rose, and willow. This caterpillar was collected from a black cherry (Prunus serotina) tree, and I have also collected them from arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum).

Up to two generations in the eastern US, with mature caterpillars by late June, and again in September. Caterpillars overwinter as pupae.