Flannel moth
The flannel moths or crinkled flannel moths (scientific name Megalopygidae) are a family of insects. They occur in North America (11 species) and the New World tropics. The larvae are called puss caterpillars, and with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls. They have venomous spines that can cause a painful sting and inflammation lasting for several days. In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, and shock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar of Megalopyge opercularis.
A Megalopyge opercularis caterpillar on Kent Island, Maryland: a highly toxic species
| Flannel moth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Megalopyge opercularis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Megalopygidae Herrich-Schäffer, 1855 |
| Genera | |
|
See text | |
Genera
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References
- Natural History Museum genus database
- "Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota". cedarcreek.umn.edu.
- BugGuide
- USGS--Caterpillars of Eastern Forests
- Auburn University
- Moths of Borneo—lists the family as neotropical
- Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension
- Ohio State University
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