Puss-caterpillar
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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 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.
Megalopygidae
New World Flannel Moths, Flannel Moths, Crinkled Flannel Moths
Megalopygidae is a family of moths occurring in North America and the New World tropics, with larvae commonly known as puss caterpillars or asps. The caterpillars are covered in long, soft hairs that conceal hollow venomous spines capable of delivering severe stings. The family contains two subfamilies in the United States: Megalopyginae (genus Megalopyge, 7 species) and Trosiinae (genera Norape and Trosia, 5 species). The venom system is unique among Lepidoptera, consisting of aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins called megalysins that were recruited via horizontal gene transfer from bacteria.