Insect · GBIF taxon 1751572
Southern Flannel Moth
Megalopyge opercularisAlso known as Puss Caterpillar, Asp Caterpillar, Tree Asp, Woolly Slug
Adult southern flannel moths resemble tiny, furry mammals with thick, wavy tufts of cream-to-golden scales covering their stout bodies and wings. Their larvae, widely recognized as puss caterpillars, conceal a network of hollow, venom-injecting spines beneath a dense coat of soft-looking hair. Adults live only a few days after emerging, relying on energy stored during the caterpillar stage to mate and lay eggs on host trees.
NocturnalVenomousFurry
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Oak leaves
- Elm leaves
- Sweetgum leaves
Predators
- Braconid wasps
- Tachinid flies
- Assassins bugs
ThreatsParasitoid wasps and flies, severe freezes, and chemical pesticide spraying
HabitatsDeciduous forests, suburban parks, mixed woodlands, and gardens
Life spanUnder 1 year total (adult stage lasts 4–7 days)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyMegalopygidae
- GenusMegalopyge
- SpeciesMegalopyge opercularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Larval hairs conceal spines with venomous stings causing severe pain; never touch without protective tools.
- Why it is dangerous
- Hollow setae deliver a potent proteinaceous venom that causes radiating, throbbing pain, localized swelling, nausea, and occasional systemic reactions.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Larvae look like teardrop-shaped tufts of tan, grey, or reddish-brown fluff resting flat against tree foliage.
- What to do
- Do not touch, handle, or sweep against leafy branches where larvae feed; wear thick gloves when gardening under host trees.
Responsible observation
- Viewing: Inspect broadleaf tree trunks and leaf undersides from several paces away using binoculars.
- First Aid: Use adhesive tape immediately to lift broken spines if brushed, then apply cold packs.
Ecological Look-alike (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-occurring Threat (c) Trevor Edmonson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Edmonson · cc-by
Host Plant Homer Edward Price / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
Image unavailableSame Family
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Southern Flannel Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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