Comments for brownish starfish insect (Hag Moth Larva)
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Comments for
brownish starfish insect (Hag Moth Larva)

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a bugs life.
by: GUIN AND CALHOUN

we found the bug on a car window and we kept it for 3 days. and then on the 3rd day of that evening, and all his legs fell off and he flew away!
Hag moth larva
by: Moni

Mandy
The hag moth larva is only about 3/4 of an inch long so not sure what you saw that was the size of the palm of your hand...perhaps you could take a photo for Id.
Starfish bug thing
by: Mandy

I went into my basement to do laundry. When I walked over to my dryer I saw what looked like a flat starfish. I freaked and ran (deathly afrais of spiders). Later I went back down and it was on the side of the dryer and spread out about the size of my palm. Wish I new what it was, Oh yeahand I live in South jersey. never saw it before.
I saw one
by: Tina4dejr

I had one of these on my car also I took several top view pictures and got a video of it crawling.
Hag moth larva
by: Moni

Anonymous wanting cool info,

You asked about information on this caterpillar. Here is a site to get you started. It lists several internet and book references for more information. Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology dept. so you have a good source. Tho many folks do add info to this site that are amatuers, it can be trusted to have great info. Good Luck.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/452
cool
by: Anonymous

That is so cool, I am actually doing a project on that bug but I cant find any info.
creepy critter
by: Anonymous

it is the hag moth larve i just had one fall on my window today and decided to do research on this creepy critter. the scientific name is Phobetron pithecium
Monkey slug larva it is!
by: Moni

HWolfe
Donalda has described your critter completely. These larva feed on many woody shrubs and trees throughout the whole eastern half of the US.
Some researchers do not feel this caterpillar can sting. If you are sensitive it is always wise to be careful.
Hag moth Larva
by: Donalda

I believe your caterpillar is the Monkey Slug (Hag Moth Larva) - Phobetron pithecium, of the family Limacodidae. It is about the size of a large thumb nail. The curly "arms" are actually just lobes of hairy flesh atop the caterpillar. If you turn the caterpillar over you'll see the usual legs and head,as shown in your picture. It very often is mistaken for a leaf gall.
Those hairs on the "arms" are capable of stinging, so this caterpillar is very well defended.

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