Saddleback Caterpillar Moth vs Skipper Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saddleback Caterpillar Moth | Skipper Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acharia stimulea | Epargyreus clarus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Limacodidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 26-35 mm wingspan | 44-67 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Saddleback Caterpillar Moth
A dark brown moth best known for its extraordinary caterpillar, which is bright green with a brown saddle-shaped marking and venomous spines. The sting causes intense burning pain.
Did You Know?
Its sting is among the most painful of any North American caterpillar and can cause nausea in sensitive individuals.
Skipper Butterfly
A stout-bodied butterfly with hooked antennae, brown wings with golden spots on the forewing, and a distinctive silver patch on the hindwing underside. It has a rapid, darting flight.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar builds a silk-lined leaf shelter and can eject its droppings up to 150 centimeters away to avoid attracting parasitic wasps.