Our insect of the week for July 28, 2025 is the yellow-shouldered slug moth, Lithacodes fasciola (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854) [LEPIDOPTERA: Limacodidae]. It is also known by the common name, ochre-winged hag moth. Both names are so appealing, aren’t they? Adults can be encountered at lights from May through August. Larvae feed on many trees including apple, beech, cherry, hickory, honey locust, linden maple, oak, and willow. All except the last instar are protected by stinging spines.

The adult specimen in this image was collected by our former member, Frank Hitchell, in Peoria County.