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Puss Moth, or Asp Moth

Megalopyge opercularis

Description:

Fuzzy catepillar type creature

Habitat:

Trees

1 Species ID Suggestions

MrsPbio
MrsPbio 11 years ago
Puss Moth, or Asp Moth
Megalopyge opercularis Megalopyge opercularis


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4 Comments

ForestDragon
ForestDragon 11 years ago

Karen, I believe only the caterpillars sting.

MrsPbio
MrsPbio 11 years ago

The adults are also fuzzy- do their hairs sting too, or just the caterpillar?

ForestDragon
ForestDragon 11 years ago

They are also called Southern Flannel Moths and yes, the caterpillars do indeed sting! Here is another resource from online about this interesting creature:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/4476

MrsPbio
MrsPbio 11 years ago

OOOH!!! Definitely DO NOT TOUCH! This is the Puss (as in a kitty cat) Moth, or Asp Moth. iT IS VERY VENOMOUS! (I'm not kidding.) Those attractive hairs pack a very painful wallop! I strongly suggest you read the article in wikipedia I posted the link to.

thaghorry
Spotted by
thaghorry

South Carolina, USA

Spotted on Sep 25, 2012
Submitted on Sep 25, 2012

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