Venomous-caterpillar
Guides
Apoda
slug moths, slug caterpillar moths
Apoda is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths due to the distinctive caterpillar morphology. The genus includes species whose larvae are characterized by a flattened, slug-like body form and reduced or absent prolegs, moving with a gliding motion rather than typical caterpillar crawling. Caterpillars in this genus possess venomous spines or setae that can cause painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of a larger group of limacodid moths known for their unusual larval forms and defensive capabilities.
Euclea obliqua
Euclea obliqua is a species of slug moth in the family Limacodidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1886. Like other members of this family, its larvae possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings to humans. The species is part of a genus containing several spiny, slug-like caterpillars that feed on oak and other hardwood foliage.
Hemileuca electra mojavensis
Hemileuca electra mojavensis is a subspecies of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, first described by Tuskes & McElfresh in 1993. As a member of the Hemileucinae subfamily, its larvae bear venomous spines characteristic of this group. The subspecies is associated with the Mojave Desert region and exhibits geographic variation typical of the Hemileuca electra species complex.
Megalopyge crispata
Black-waved Flannel Moth, Crinkled Flannel Moth, White Flannel Moth
Megalopyge crispata is a flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, found in the eastern United States from the Atlantic coast westward to Oklahoma. Adults are active from May to October, with one generation annually in northern populations and two or more in southern populations. The species is notable for its venomous caterpillars, which possess hollow urticating hairs capable of delivering painful stings to humans.
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 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 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.