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, fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, [3] puss moth, tree asp, or asp caterpillar. Discover the fascinating world of the Puss Caterpillar and gain a deeper understanding of this intriguing creature.
A large white or greyish-white furry moth, the Puss moth is named after the cat-like appearance of the adult. The female is generally larger and also differs in having a grey hindwing and sometimes forewing.Eggs are laid singly, or in twos or threes on the uppersides of leaves. When disturbed and as a warning, the striking caterpillars will raise their head and wave twin tails, which have.
Puss caterpillar or asp caterpillar looks like a fuzzy ball but are poisonous caterpillars with a mean sting. Learn to control and kill [HOW TO GUIDE]. The name "puss caterpillar" is likely in reference to the caterpillar's resemblance to a cat with its soft fur and tail.
The southern flannel moth was originally described by J. E. Smith (1797) and named Phalaena opercularis (common name, waved yellow egger moth).
For a historical account of the southern flannel moth's taxonomy see Heppner (2003). The Puss moth and caterpillar Cerura vinula an illustrated guide to the complete life cycle and rearing of the moth and its extraordinary caterpillar. This factsheet describes the biology of the puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This cute little fella, Megalopyge opercularis (left), goes by the name puss, tree asp, or southern flannel moth caterpillar. Their habitat starts in Maryland and sweeps down south to Florida and west into Texas and Missouri, inhabiting all the states in. The puss caterpillar packs a serious punch in the form of stinging hairs.
The luxurious fur coat of this animal is actually a powerful defensive weapon that injects its attackers with a curious toxin that appears to come not from the long and soft guard hairs, but from hollow, specialised hairs located within them. Puss moth caterpillars are distinctive, with their soft, furry appearance resembling a small cat's fur. However, adult moths, such as the southern flannel moth, look quite different, with hairy, flannel-like scales.
Comparing puss moth caterpillars to other common caterpillars like the leopard moth caterpillar reveals some differences.