Euchaetes egle: Milkweed Tussock Moths

I could (and do) spend hours in one small stand of milkweed. Common Milkweed (Asclepia Syriaca) is a perennial native to Michigan and much of the eastern half of the US and Canada. It grows well in sandy, well-drained soil and spreads profusely by rhizomes.

Common Milkweed

Besides it's wonderful heady scent, Common Milkweed is a host to many kinds of insects. One of the more notable insects, other than the well known Monarch Butterfly, is the Milkweed Tussock Moth, which are classified in the subfamily Arctiinae.

Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Euchaetes egle)

Female Tussock Moths lay eggs in "rafts" and caterpillars are gregarious during instars 1-3, solitary in later instars, when marked with bright tufts. The ravenous caterpillars often defoliate patches of milkweed in a very short period of time.

Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillars (Euchaetes egle)

The adult moths usually have unmarked gray wings, with bright yellowish-orange abdomens with black spots.

Milkweed Tussock Moth, Adult (Euchaetes egle)

1: Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

2, 3 and 4: Milkweed Tussock Moth - Hodges#8238 (Euchaetes egle) Common. Hosts: Milkweed Notes: Two Broods (click images for lightbox view)

Slug Caterpillar Moths

Spiny Oak-Slug Moth  (Euclea delphinii)

Slug Caterpillar Moths are found in the Family Limacodidae. They are medium to medium-small moths with stout, often hairy bodies and broad, rounded wings. With their small heads and 'cuddly' appearance, I personally find them to be one of the most interesting of all families of moths. 

Crowned Slug  (Isa textula)

The larvae are naked to densely hairy, usually with stinging hairs. Like slugs, the caterpillars move in a gliding motion with abdominal prolegs replaced by suckers.

Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth (Lithacodes fasciola)

We added a few more species from this fascinating family to our property list this past summer, and I'm hoping to discover more caterpillars in the future as well.  My photos of the larvae are unfortunately stored on zip discs that I can no longer access since I've switched over to a Mac; at any rate, caterpillar hunting is just as much fun as spending time with the adults as there is always something wonderful to discover in the magical world of moths.

Only 60 more days until Spring! :)

1. Spiny Oak-Slug Moth  (Euclea delphinii) #4697. Common. Hosts: Trees and wood plants including apple, beech, chestnut, maple and oak. Range: SE Canada and E. US.

2. Crowned Slug Moth (Isa Textula) #4681. Common. Hosts: Trees and shrubs, including elm, hickory, maple and oak. Range: SW Ontario and E. US

3. Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth (Lithacodes fasciola). Common. Hosts: Deciduous trees and shrubs, including apple, beech, elm, oak and willow. Range: Widespread.

(click images for lightbox view)