Painted Lichen Moth vs Spiny Oak Slug Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Lichen Moth Spiny Oak Slug Moth
Scientific Name Hypoprepia fucosa Euclea delphinii
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Arctiidae Limacodidae
Size 25-33 mm wingspan 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Painted Lichen Moth

A small moth with distinctive grey forewings bearing bright red-orange stripes running from base to tip. It is one of the lichen moths, whose larvae feed on lichens and algae.

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Did You Know?

Its bold warning coloration advertises chemical defenses derived from the lichen compounds its larvae consume.

Spiny Oak Slug Moth

A small colorful moth with green, brown, and silver-spotted forewings. Its flattened, jewel-like caterpillar is green with red and yellow markings and bears stinging spines.

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Did You Know?

The ornate caterpillar has been called one of the most beautiful in North America despite its painful sting.