2026 Caterpillar Season – Skiff Moth

2026 Caterpillar Season, insects, Lepidoptera, macro, wildlife, wildlife photography

Skiff Moth
Prolimacodes badia (Hübner, 1822) P-no. 57a0065, fam. Limacodidae
Host plant(s): Found on ironwood (Ostrya virginiana)
Date(s) found: 2 August, 2026
Locations found: Don Robinson State Park, Jefferson County, MO
Notes: Skiff moths can be found in a variety of colors and patterns—from nearly pure green to containing lots of warm brown colorations that assist them in camouflage by mimicking necrotic spots on leaves. I thought the one pictured here was pretty enough to take some photos.

Larvae of the Limacodidae usually keep their heads protected within their thoracic segments. Here is a nice opportunity to see the head capsule of Prolimacodes badia along with those impressive dark mandibles.
It’s not everyday you can see the true legs of a slug moth caterpillar, but they do have them as you can see if you look closely at this photo. They provide little in regards to locomotion, but I assume they find some purpose for them.

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