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Limacodidae
approx. 5/8 inch long; somewhat brittle, but not smooth like an egg; uniformly flat on one side
spotted stuck to the base of a tree trunk on semi-improved property
I first thought this was an egg, but after looking at it closely, I thought it could be a cocoon also. And as it turns out, the egg-like appearance is a result of calcium oxalate that the catepillar excretes into a spun cocoon. The appearance of the hardened cocoon also earns it the alternative common name, cup moth.
Spotted on Nov 17, 2012
Submitted on Nov 18, 2012
3 Comments
There are a number of slug moth caterpillars in this area. That coupled with the condition of this cocoon makes an exact ID improbable. So I'm going to be satisfied with the family name Limacodidae (or Euclidae).
Thanks for the lead, J. They do look very similar, mine appearing a little degraded. I'll check into it and hopefully narrow it down.
Pupa of a cup (or slug caterpillar) moth, Limacodidae. I'm not sure of this link's species being yours, but this looks just like it. http://bugguide.net/node/view/412786/bgp...