Saddleback caterpillar
Encyclopedia
The saddleback caterpillar, Sibine stimulea, is the larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America
. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae
. It is also known as the "packsaddle".
The caterpillars are primarily green with brown at either end, and a prominent, white-ringed brown dot in the center which resembles a saddle
, hence the name. They feed on a large variety of plants, and the adults are dark brown, stout-bodied moths. In Florida, they are known to feed on ornamental palms such as the Adonidia merrilli (Christmas palm).
These caterpillars have a pair of fleshy "horns" at either end, and these, like much of the body, bear urticating hair
s that secrete an irritating venom
. Stings can be very painful. They can cause swelling, nausea, and leave a rash that can last for days. Individuals with sensitive skin are cautioned against coming into contact with them as the reaction can be more severe than the typical reaction.
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae
Limacodidae
Limacodidae or Euclidae is a family of moths in the superfamily Zygaenoidea or the Cossoidea; the placement is in dispute. They are often called slug moths because their caterpillars bear a distinct resemblance to slugs...
. It is also known as the "packsaddle".
The caterpillars are primarily green with brown at either end, and a prominent, white-ringed brown dot in the center which resembles a saddle
Saddle
A saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's back by a girth. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse, but specialized saddles have been created for camels and other creatures...
, hence the name. They feed on a large variety of plants, and the adults are dark brown, stout-bodied moths. In Florida, they are known to feed on ornamental palms such as the Adonidia merrilli (Christmas palm).
These caterpillars have a pair of fleshy "horns" at either end, and these, like much of the body, bear urticating hair
Urticating hair
Urticating hairs, i.e. stinging hairs, are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, some New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars. Urtica is Latin for "nettle", and hairs that urticate are characteristic of this type of plant, and many other plants in...
s that secrete an irritating venom
Venom
Venom is the general term referring to any variety of toxins used by certain types of animals that inject it into their victims by the means of a bite or a sting...
. Stings can be very painful. They can cause swelling, nausea, and leave a rash that can last for days. Individuals with sensitive skin are cautioned against coming into contact with them as the reaction can be more severe than the typical reaction.
External links
- http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/caterpillar/caterpillar.htm
- http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/misc/ef003.htm