African Slug Caterpillar Moths

African slug caterpillar moths, family Chrysopolomidae, are a small African family of about 30 known species. Two subfamilies are known: Ectropinae and Chrysopolominae. The family is in the superfamily Cossoidea (series Limacodiformes) in the section Cossina, subsection Cossina, of the division Ditrysia. Adults medium size (24–52 mm wingspan), with head scaling smooth; haustellum and maxillary palpi absent; antennae short and bipectinate in males. Body robust.

Wings rounded and broad (some with irregular distal margins). Maculation mostly pale brown, often with subapical wing line and light discal spot; hindwing with forewing line and coloration continued (Fig. 27). Adults nocturnal as far as is known. Larvae leaf-feeding and slug-like, with small spines; often colorful. Host plants include Celastraceae. No economic species are known.

Figure 27 Example of African slug caterpillar moths (Chrysopolomidae), Chrysopoloma similis Aurivillius from South Africa