The flannel moths or crinkled flannel moths (scientific name Megalopygidae) are a family of insects. They occur in North America (11 species) and the New World tropics.
A Megalopyge opercularis caterpillar on Kent Island, Maryland: a highly toxic species
Distribution and habitat
The moth occurs in North America and the New World tropics.
Puss Caterpillar
The Puss Caterpillar, Megalopyge Opercularis, found in the Southeastern part of the United States and in which the Southern Flannel Moth evolves from, is a venomous caterpillar that has been reported to cause undeniable injury in humans as a rash known as erucism, caused by its recognizable thick brown coating of hair with a faintly orange strip on the top, that its venom is contained in.[1] The cocoons that these caterpillars emerge from vary in size from 1.3 to 2.0 centimeters and contain small hair pockets on the back and flattened front end that is formed by the operculum.[2]
Life cycle and behavior
Adult flannel moths are stout-bodied, and very hairy. Females have thin antennae while males' are feather-like. Larvae are called puss caterpillars and, with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls.They are eaten by green lacewing insects and the Anolis lizard. They have venomous spines that can cause a painful sting and inflammation lasting for several days. In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, and shock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar of Megalopyge opercularis. Caterpillars have 7 pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have 5 or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs.[3]
