Megalopygidae
Guides
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 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.
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.
Trosia
Trosia is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1820. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Trosiinae, which is endemic to the New World. The genus has been documented in citizen science platforms with over 2,800 observations, indicating moderate field recognition.