The immature stages of flannel moths are caterpillars which are clothed with fine hairs and venomous spines. Unfortunately, because of their size, they often go unnoticed. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs and often stay out of the range of humans. So take a moment out of your day to rectify this problem. Just because a caterpillar looks soft and fluffy doesn't mean you should try to pet it -- those are the ones most likely to sting. Puss moth caterpillars can pose a genuine health hazard. OR SO THEY WANT US TO BELIEVE. I've never been stung by a puss caterpillar, and I'm glad that this is the case. Color variation with black wave flannel moth caterpillar. The caterpillar is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the United States and sometimes the most dangerous of all. The spines, when brushed against the skin, produce a painful rash or sting. Once the puss caterpillar reaches maturity, it turns into what is known as the feathered flannel moth, and is no longer a threat. The puss caterpillar, also known as the asp caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), eventually transforms into the beautiful southern flannel moth. It is yellow-brown to purplish-black with many small white spots and a reddish head. Please leave a comment in the section below and remember to share the video and sign up for our free newsletter! Megalopyge opercularis is a moth of the family Megalopygidae.It has numerous common names, including southern flannel moth for its adult form, and puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, woolly slug, opossum bug, puss moth, tree asp, or asp caterpillar for its larval form. Pain usually subsides in about an hour. Feeds on… The sting of black wave flannel moth is usually not a severe as the puss caterpillar. What did you think? Sting severity increases with size of caterpillar. Envenomation causes intense throbbing pain, burning, and a rash with erythematous spots. They are often found feeding on various trees and shrubs, including elm, maple, hack berry, oak, sycamore and others. If you or someone around you has touched a puss moth caterpillar, then you will notice some very apparent symptoms in that person. Note they are missing the long tail of the more venomous puss caterpillar… Puss caterpillar stings are often more severe than those of other caterpillars. Erythematous (blood-colored) spots may appear at the site of the sting. Adult moths lay tiny eggs on leaves and twigs. Top 5 Symptoms of Puss Moth Caterpillar Sting. The venomous puss moth caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis; also called the asp) is present in the southern United States. It is teardrop shaped and has long silky hair, making it resemble a tuft of cotton or fur. More susceptible patients can experience swelling, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, shock, and respiratory distress. Puss moth caterpillar by Valerie Bugh (c) (AustinBug.com) This cute little fella, Megalopyge opercularis (left) , goes by the name puss, tree asp, or southern flannel moth caterpillar. This is a Stinging Slug Caterpillar in the family Limacodidae, and stings are reported to be quite painful. Please leave a comment in the section below and remember to share the video and sign up for our free newsletter! When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against skin, venomous hairs become embedded. Stings on the arm may also result in pain in the axillary (armpit) region. Intense, throbbing pain develops immediately or within five minutes of contact with the caterpillar. What did you think? Their habitat starts in Maryland and sweeps down south to Florida and west into … Send your story tips to the author, Chris Joseph. Young caterpillars often feed in groups. The best known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis. It is … Watch how this tiny little caterpillar transforms into a giant Puss Moth. While moths are universally harmless, some caterpillars have stinging spines or hairs. The most populous stinging caterpillars to watch out for are the Io Moth, Puss Moth and Saddleback caterpillars. 1986, Hossler 2010, Khalaf 1975). ... Several techniques may soothe the pain and burning caused by puss moth caterpillar stings. Watch This Caterpillar Turn into a Puss Moth. Io Moth caterpillars are light green to yellow with a red stripe bordered by a white stripe below running along its side. Of particular note, the puss moth caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) is capable of delivering a severe sting. Puss Moth caterpillars have long, thick setae and can be light gray, golden brown or dark charcoal gray. They feed on a wide variety of hardwood plants and can be common in late summer. A sting from a cup moth caterpillar is not fatal, but can be very painful. The southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae), is an attractive small moth that is best-known because of its larva, the puss caterpillar, which is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States (Bishopp 1923, El-Mallakh et al.