Page 307 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Limacodidae
DISTRIBUTION United States, from southern New England to Florida,
west to Texas
HABITAT Barrens and woodland edges
HOST PLANTS Woody trees, including oak (Quercus spp.), apple (Malus spp.),
and elm (Ulmus spp.)
NOTE Leaf-feeding slug caterpillar
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but common

ADULT WINGSPAN
⁄ –1 ⁄ in (18–27 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
¾ in (20 mm)
PARASA CHLORIS
SMALLER PARASA 305

(HERRICH-SCHÄFFER, [1854])

The Smaller Parasa caterpillar has an elliptical, sluglike
appearance typical of Limacodidae species, and glides rather
than walks using a muscular pad on its underside. The
caterpillars occur from August into October. Mid-September
is the peak time for mature caterpillars, when they are most
readily found on the leaves of oak, elm, and other deciduous Actual size
trees. Like most Limacodidae larvae, the caterpillar prefers the
underside of leaves while feeding or at rest. Resting Smaller
Parasa caterpillars will generally wake up and move around
when disturbed.

Adult moths y from May until August. A single generation
is the norm, with a second generation possible in the southern
fringes of the species’ range. Young larvae are often confused The Smaller Parasa caterpillar has a distinctive,

with early-instar Euclea species until further growth de nes their humpbacked, sluglike form. Spiny “warts” are
present on the upper thorax and posterior, and
distinct characteristics. The Smaller Parasa is a mildly venomous along the subspiracular region. The overall body
caterpillar that can partially retract its arsenal of weaponry while color can be tan, pink, or orange, with a brighter
orange occasionally developing on the posterior
feeding and at rest. When alarmed or threatened, the caterpillar’s in mature caterpillars. There are wavy lines
stinging spines become fully exposed. laterally along the abdomen, and the spiracles
are elongated.