Flannel-moth
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Megalopyge
flannel moths, puss moths
Megalopyge is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, commonly known as flannel moths or puss moths. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Larvae are densely covered in hair-like setae that conceal venomous spines, making them medically significant due to severe stinging reactions in humans. Adults are relatively small, stout-bodied moths with reduced mouthparts.
Megalopyge immaculata
Megalopyge immaculata is a moth species in the family Megalopygidae, described by Samuel E. Cassino in 1928. Like other members of this family, the larvae are likely to possess venomous urticating spines concealed beneath soft, hair-like setae. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal information available regarding its biology, distribution, or host associations.
Megalopyge lacyi
Megalopyge lacyi is a flannel moth species described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1910. Like other members of the genus Megalopyge, its larvae possess venomous urticating hairs concealed beneath a dense coat of soft, hair-like setae. The species is part of a family known for caterpillars that can deliver painful stings upon contact.
Megalopyge opercularis
southern flannel moth, puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, puss moth, tree asp, asp caterpillar
Megalopyge opercularis is a moth in the family Megalopygidae, notable for its highly venomous larval stage and strikingly different adult form. The caterpillar, known as the puss caterpillar, is densely covered in hair-like setae that conceal venomous spines capable of delivering extremely painful stings. The adult, called the southern flannel moth, is covered in soft fur ranging from dull orange to lemon yellow. The species has two broods annually in much of its range, with late-season larvae sometimes overwintering in cocoons.
Megalopyge opercularis bissesa
Southern Flannel Moth, Puss Caterpillar
Megalopyge opercularis bissesa is a subspecies of southern flannel moth, commonly known as the puss caterpillar in its larval stage. The caterpillar is covered in dense, soft-looking hair that conceals venomous urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings. Found in the southeastern United States from the Mid-Atlantic to Florida and Texas, this insect feeds on various woody plants including oak, hickory, and apple. The caterpillar's distinctive appearance—resembling a tiny, hairy cat or 'Cousin Itt' from The Addams Family—belies its defensive capabilities.
Megalopyge pyxidifera
Yellow Flannel Moth
Megalopyge pyxidifera, commonly known as the Yellow Flannel Moth, is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae. Described from the southern United States in 1797, this species belongs to a genus whose caterpillars are known for their dense, hair-like setae that conceal venomous urticating spines. The larvae of related Megalopyge species are among the most venomous caterpillars in North America, capable of delivering painful stings.
Norape
Norape is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, commonly known as flannel moths. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1855 and contains approximately 60 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Caterpillars of at least some species, including N. ovina (white flannel moth), possess urticating hairs that deliver painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of the subfamily Trosiinae within the Megalopygidae family.
Norape sorpresa
Norape sorpresa is a recently described species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, first characterized by Wagner and Matson in 2022. Like other members of its genus, the caterpillars possess urticating hairs that can deliver painful stings when touched. The species belongs to a group of moths known for their concealed defensive structures beneath soft, hair-like setae. As a newly described taxon, detailed information about its biology and distribution remains limited.
Norape tener
Mesquite Stinger Moth
Norape tener is a flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1897. The common name "mesquite stinger moth" refers to the larval host plants and the defensive stinging hairs possessed by caterpillars in this genus. Adults are small white moths with distinctive dark markings on the wings and thorax. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Norape virgo
Virgin flannel moth, White flannel moth
Norape virgo is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. The species name derives from Latin 'virgo' meaning virgin, referring to the all-white adult coloration. It occurs from southern Texas and southern Arizona south to Colombia. Adults are smaller than the related Norape walkeri, with shorter, broader, and less glossy forewings. The larvae feed on legumes and possess urticating hairs that can deliver painful stings.