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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Flannel, Slug Caterpillar, Leaf Skeletonizer Moths and kin (Zygaenoidea) » Flannel Moths (Megalopygidae) » Megalopyge » Southern Flannel Moth - Hodges#4647 (Megalopyge opercularis)
Photo#64384
Puss caterpillar? - Megalopyge opercularis
Copyright © 2006 Sean McCann

Puss caterpillar? - Megalopyge opercularis
Pinelands Natural Area, St. Lucie County, Florida, USA
July 16, 2006
Size: 3cm
On Willow.
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Contributed by Sean McCann on 16 July, 2006 - 3:36pm
Last updated 3 September, 2006 - 4:44pm

Moved
Moved from Megalopyge.
… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 3 September, 2006 - 4:44pm login or register to post comments

Puss capterpillar and flannel
Puss capterpillar and flannel moth larve are two names for the same thing. See Megalopygidae in the guide. Some tropical species are quite dangerous, however inviting they look to pet.
… Richard C. Hoyer, 16 July, 2006 - 4:38pm login or register to post comments

 
...
Thanks! I was careful not to touch it!
So should I put it on the species page?
… Sean McCann, 16 July, 2006 - 6:43pm login or register to post comments

 
By the long "tail" and the rusty crest,
I'd say this is the Southern Flannel Moth, Megalopyge opercularis. Wagner(1) p. 55. I suspect this one we have in the guide under M. crispata (below) is the same species - anyone agree? If so, I have to 'fess up the misidentification is my fault - but it was before we had Wagner's book to work from.

… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 16 July, 2006 - 4:43pm login or register to post comments

Flannel Moth Larvae
This looks likes a Flannel Moth Larvae of some type. Don't touch them though! Those hairs have a very irritating sting that cause swelling and painful rashes.
… Brittanie McCormack, 16 July, 2006 - 4:09pm login or register to post comments

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