4700 – Acharia stimulea,
Saddleback Caterpillar Moth
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Species Pages
K. Largo Marath. Ba. Hond B.P.K. No Name Sck. Isd. K. West
Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed on that island
Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed in that month
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
General Species Information
Host Plant: Polyphagous, grasses, palms, citrus etc…
Historical Range: Eastern USA
Our Experience with this Species: This species is not common at lights however the larva is often encountered more frequently than the adult. We have only seen the adults of the species on Key Largo in April and November but it is likely present more commonly than it does appear at lights
Notes: The caterpillar of this species bares the markings for which it gets its name. Its spines pack a very powerful and painful sting. Stings from this species feel much like a localized burn and pain lasts for several hours. They should not be handled
