Saddleback Caterpillar Moth

Acharia stimulea (formally known as Sibine stimulea) is a moth of the family Limacodidae that is most widely known and recognizable for its larval phase. During the mid and late instar (a phase between two periods of molting in the development), Acharia stimulea exhibits its characteristic lime-green coloring along the top of the body that contains its most identifiable feature, a dark marking at the center that is inclosed in a white and black that resembles a saddle. The green of the body contrasts against its dark anterior (head) and posterior (rear) which, along with the skirt of the body, contain tubercles with hollow spines that, when broken, release an irritating toxin into predators. Like others in the family Limacodidae, they rely on their slug-like anatomy to move. Similar to a slug, Acharia stimulea uses suckers and mucus to help them roll and adhere to surfaces. After pupation, the adult Acharia stimulea loses all of its vibrant coloring, and develops velvety dark brown anterior wings and cream posterior wings.

Acharia stimulea are native to North America and are most known for living in warmer climates like Yucatan, Mexico, but they can also survive the slightly cooler temperatures of the eastern United States. Adult moths fly during warm months, which can be year round in the south or between July and August in the U.S. Acharia stimulea are polyphagous and do not rely on a single plant species for survival, though they tend to favor palms. Below is a list of known host plants that the Acharia stimulea female moths are known to lay their egg on and where they live during their larvae phase:

Adult Acharia stimulea will mate as soon as two days after emerging from their cocoon and will copulate for up to 24 hours. In the wild, mating rituals occur during nights with warm temperatures, which can vary between February and July in the United States. After mating, the female will choose a host plant, and lay her eggs on the underside of the leaf where she will frequently visit until they have successfully hatched.