Other species of caterpillar, like the southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) indigenous to parts of Texas, are known to inflict stings and trigger a localized skin reaction. The puss caterpillar and the effects of its sting on man. Florida Entomologist 64: 534-537. Figure 1. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. In North America the caterpillar of The South Flannel Moth is also known as the Puss Moth Caterpillar but is unrelated and carries a nasty sting. The best-known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, commonly called an "Asp." This . “Sting” of the puss caterpillar. Khalaf (1975) observed Chrysopa sp. Fully-grown caterpillars overwinter in a strong cocoon molded to the trunk or branches of the host plant before pupating in the spring. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Khalaf (1975) also observed an Anolis lizard eat a 4th instar larva (about 5 mm long) after which it displayed gulping motions and rubbed its mouth against the ground. Caterpillars and Moths. Two species of ants have even been found raising brood inside the cocoons. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Khalaf (1984) demonstrated that the hair-like setae are actually deeply divided scales and that the undivided bases of the scales are typical of wing scales of other moths. They do not actively attack people, but if you brush against these caterpillars, stinging hairs, hidden among nonstinging hairs, can poke into your skin and break off, and venom inside the hairs or spines can penetrate your skin (this is a lot like the spines of stinging nettle plants). Many are bright yellow-brown with variously colored lines and patches on the forewings. The fluffy southern flannel moth also goes by the common name puss moth. Known for their charming and vibrant looks, the caterpillars of these pink-and-yellow creatures also have a distinct identity with the individual name 'greenstriped mapleworm'. Patton CN. USA Today reports that the highly venomous creature, also known as the southern flannel moth caterpillar, or asp, has recently . The hairy moth . Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Don't let this caterpillar get under your skin. The integument of first and second instars is yellow but becomes pale greenish white to white in later instars. Male southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (anterior lateral view). Larvae become progressively more “hairy” with each molt. Southern Flannel Moth (Asp) Caterpillar. Southern Flannel Moth (photo credit: Cotinis/Flickr) Caterpillars, even the stinging kind, are important to our ecosystems and have many predators - they provide critical protein to birds and are a food source for certain wasp species (see the video). Jane Franklin's diary account of her travels from Van Diemen's Land to Port Phillip and then overland from Melbourne to Sydney in 1839 provides a detailed and colourful snapshot of colonial society recorded by a sharply observant witness -- ... Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. Adult tachinid fly that emerged from a Megalopyge opercularis cocoon. Southern flannel moth caterpillars are teardrop-shaped, and, with their long, silky hairs, resemble a tuft of cotton or fur. Megalopyge opercularis, commonly known in Texas as an "asp" is one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Southern flannel moth cocoon, Megalopyge opercularis (new cocoon with thin silk anterior structure). They occur in North America (11 species) and the New World tropics. Most US flannel moths are limited to the desert southwest or the extreme southeast (especially Florida). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Southern flannel moth identification Horticulturally speaking, the flannel moth caterpillar is not as much of a problem. If the spines touch the skin, the caterpillar can cause various symptoms including pain, headaches and vomiting. Southern flannel moth larva, Megalopyge opercularis, (initial stage of spinning cocoon). This cute little fella, Megalopyge opercularis (left), goes by the name puss, tree asp, or southern flannel moth caterpillar. The name “puss caterpillar” is likely in reference to the caterpillar’s resemblance to a cat with its soft fur and tail. Eagleman (2008) has reviewed common treatments for puss caterpillar stings. Gypsy moth caterpillars are known to damage forested areas in the northern United States. Larvae: The number of instars is uncertain and may be variable. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive. Occasionally, in outbreak years, puss caterpillars are sufficiently numerous to defoliate some trees (Bishopp 1923). Stinging, itching, burning, rash, lesions, dermatitis, swelling, even fever and even nausea can result. All larval instars, as well as exuviae, may sting but the toxicity of the stings increases with increasing size of the larvae (Davidson 1967). Found inside – Page 406Fascinating Facts and Shocking Trivia on Movies, Music, Crime, ... Known by several names, such as the pussy moth, puss caterpillar, southern flannel moth, ... "Those hairs are not venomous, but presumably protect the eggs from . The larvae are called puss caterpillars, and with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls. Rami of antennae of males (Figures 1, 2, and 4) are much longer than those of antennae of females (Figures 3 and 5). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Like other stinging caterpillars, the flannel moth caterpillar doesn't sting in the sense that bees and wasps do, but their hairs are connected with glands that contain toxins. Privacy Policy. The white flannel moth caterpillar feels like anything but flannel—it's prickly. There are several types of stinging caterpillars, and their degree of toxicity varies. Also known as puss moth caterpillars, the larva are teardrop shaped from 1 . There are similar rates of parasitism in Central Florida (DW Hall, unpublished data). 9 Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Knowing the local climate is the first step in understanding hardiness and hardiness zones. 2012) should be effective. FACTS ABOUT CATERPILLARS: 11-20 11. Puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis (ventral view showing auxillary prolegs without crochets). Figure 3. Perhaps even more amazing than the . Figure 31. Horticulturally speaking, the flannel moth caterpillar is not as much of a problem. Late instars are leaf-edge feeders and curl the front of the thorax over the leaves as they feed (Figures 12 and 13). Trumpillar - a hairy caterpillar that resembles President of the United States, Donald J. Trump's hair, but on an insect… is really just a flannel moth in its larva form. A Dictionary of Entomology. The Trumpillar is scientifically known as Megalopyge opercularis. Flannel moth caterpillars have 7 pairs of prolegs, while all other butterfly and moth caterpillars have 5 or fewer pairs. Photograph courtesy of Armed Forces Pest Management Board. Their long hairy, scaly appearance makes them resemble a flannel, which is an outcome of their name. 1974. All instars have rows of verrucae (raised sclerites with radiating setae [Gordh and Headrick 2001]) that bear hollow spines each of which has a venom gland at its base (Foot 1922). Figure 17. For some people, the flannel moth caterpillar causes only intense itching or burning; others experience an allergic reaction and need to seek medical attention. Cocoons may even be found on buildings. It seems like a cruel hoax — that something so invitingly soft and fuzzy can zap us with irritating stings. Found insideA section on the use of the dictionary outlines affixes, tenses, verbal and nonverbal stress, combined affix forms, the causative series "pa-," "mang-" and "pang-" series, "pang-" as a nominal, "maki-" and "paki-" series, "hing-" series, ... Khalaf KT. Females usually mate the night of emergence and lay their eggs during the first two nights following mating. It may look like Donald Trump's hair on a good day, but under those flowing brown locks are hidden rows of stinging spines. The video, filmed by Ollie Boon, showcases the caterpillar's cute and furry looking exterior, but be warned that there are venomous spines hiding within the fluff.Avoid contact to avoid "severe radiating pain" and possible "burning, swelling, nausea . It seems that there may have been a misidentification of later instars by these authors based on the huge size difference reported between the fourth and final instars. M.S. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Southern flannel moth cocoon, Megalopyge opercularis (old cocoon covered with lichens). Figure 39. The expanded posterior margins of the occiput may function in a similar way by pressing against the operculum. Lanugo retentor (Brulle). Figure 23. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Figure 30. Reactions vary depending on the type of caterpillar and a person’s individual sensitivity. Learn 10 easy tricks to multiply minutes in the garden. This caterpillar gives a nasty bite and is also called a puss moth, woolly slug, or Italian asp. A wide variety of insects use the old abandoned cocoons as homes or temporary shelters - either entering through the front as the opercula sag with age or through the exit holes chewed by ichneumonid parasitoids. Figure 2. Found insideThe Book of Caterpillars unveils the mysteries of six hundred species from around the world, introducing readers to the complexity and beauty of these underappreciated insects. United States Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1319. Flannel Moth Caterpillar Fuzzy Caterpillar Caterpillar Insect Hungry Caterpillar Weird Insects . They are worms with pretty hairdos but will sting severely. The southern flannel moth is the most common of the five species of megalopygids found in the southeastern United States. Look closely, and you'll see long hairs extending from its sides. White Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Norape ovina) The mature white flannel moth caterpillar can reach 1-1/4 inch in length. 2. Generally, stinging caterpillars - mainly the puss caterpillar, also known as the Southern flannel moth or the asp - are rare north of the Mason-Dixon Line, says David Wagner, an entomologist . Found insideFeaturing actual events and other truths drawn from sources within the military and intelligence community, Tom DeLonge and A.J. Hartley offer a tale at once terrifying, fantastical, and perhaps all too real. Prolegs are the fleshy, peglike legs along the abdominal segments (that is, behind the pointy, jointed thoracic legs at the front of the caterpillar). Transformations of. The fuzzy, hairy, silky caterpillars in this moth family can sting. With younger black-wave flannel moth caterpillars, the long wispy hairs hide the venomous short, sharp spines. The polyphemus caterpillar builds a large cocoon (left) that looks a lot like a toy clay pot hanging from a tree. The animal kingdom is full of beautiful and mysterious processes, but few are more captivating and beautiful than the butterfly metamorphosis. Part 1. Unlike most other moth larvae, megalopygid larvae have seven pairs of prolegs. O’Hara (2013) has updated the tachinid names from Arnaud (1978). Description (Back to Top) This allows the caterpillar to continue feeding in peace. Sphingicampa bicolor), black-waved_flannel_moth_brunet2012_1580.jpg, Isabella Tiger Moth (Woolly Bear; Woolly Worm), Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Flannel moth caterpillars, sometimes called "asps", hide rows of venomous bristles under their long hairs. Southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) adults are golden yellow, grading to paler beige at the rear. Mature larvae begin to spin their cocoons by making a thin framework of silk using their hair covering as the supporting framework. Larvae of the first generation pupate approximately 16 days after completing the cocoon and begin emerging as adults approximately two weeks later. Southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) adults are golden yellow, grading to paler beige at the rear. 1978. If you are “stung” by one of these caterpillars, wash the area to remove any stinging hairs or toxin that remain on your skin. Adults: Adults are small moths with wingspans of 2.4 to 3.6 cm (approximately 1 to 1.5 in) (Covell 2005). This lavishly illustrated guide will enable you to identify the caterpillars of nearly 700 butterflies and moths found east of the Mississippi. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Lanugo retentor oviposits through the wall of the cocoon and is parasitic externally on prepupae or pupae (Khalaf 1975, Khalaf 1981). Figure 4. Southern flannel moth caterpillars are widespread in the United States and can commonly be found on the East Coast in states stretching from New Jersey to Florida. Figure 6. Figure 40. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Some of these specimens from Down Under could have great potential for American gardens. Puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis (next to last instar). Flannel Moths. It is common in Florida but reaches its greatest abundance in Texas from Dallas southward in the western central part of the state (Bishopp 1923). Biology of the puss caterpillar and its ichneumonid parasite. Special Publication Number 12. These multiple terms include the asp, Italian asp, puss caterpillar, opossum bug, woolly slug, puss moth, tree asp, and asp caterpillar . Micks DW. Davidson (1967) reported similar dimensions. The southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis, is an attractive small moth that is best-known because of its larva, the puss caterpillar, which is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States. If you know that you are sensitive to insect stings, or if the pain or swelling is intense, worsens, is badly blistered, or doesn’t go away within 1 to 12 hours, consult a doctor. Insects could make up as many as three-quarters of animal species on Earth. Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors. His data showed two distinct peaks - one developing in early summer and the second in the fall. New York, New York. Some of them are saddleback, io moth, puss, gypsy moth, flannel moth, and buck moth caterpillars. A Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America. 43 pp. In: Bucherl W, Buckley EE. (no longer available online), Osborne LS, Buss EA, Mannion CM, Price JF. Learn how the rising practice of underwater gardening helps to address coral reef depletion. Figure 8. The rounded frons may assist in forcing open the cocoon (Epstein 1996) - presumably by pressing against the upper front edge of the cocoon as the operculum is being forced open. It may not look like much but you wouldn't want to accidentally pick this guy up. This fuzzy little fella is called the flannel moth caterpillar, but researchers who encountered the critter in the Peruvian Amazon nicknamed it the "Trumpapillar" due to its similarity in color and style to Donald Trump's hair. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 1932: 97-148. Some of the caterpillars are poisonous enough to hurt people seriously or even kill them. The puss caterpillar is the larva of an insect in the order Lepidoptera. In "A Girl of the Limberlost" Elinora dreams of going to school to escape her dreary life. She succeeds, and eventually finds love but must unweave a tangled web of old secrets and misunderstandings. Eggs are laid in single or double curved rows (occasionally in patches) on foliage or small twigs and are covered with hair from the under side of abdomen of the female. Part of its coat includes stinging, or urticating, hairs. Tags: interesting true caterpillars animals random caterpillar moth moths strange cat animal own wtf sweet cute lol NEXT GALLERY 20 Awesome Pizza Delivery Instruction Wins 1 Comments See the photo below for an example of what symptoms of a rash caused by a caterpillar may look like on a human arm. I would like to confirm the ID if . This caterpillar gives a nasty bite and is also called a puss moth, woolly slug, or Italian asp. Megalopygidae, known to mortals as the Flannel Moths are one of the most interesting, amazing and talked about moth family made up from 11 known species. Multiparasitism of puss caterpillar by a wasp and fly species (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). This strange looking animal is a flannel moth caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) known for its stinging nature. Micks (1956) reported a parasitization rate of 20% in a population of Megalopyge opercularis in Galveston, Texas. Figure 16. The pharate adult (pre-adult) stage forces the operculum open by repeated alternating lengthening and shortening of the abdomen (Davidson 1967) - probably while hooking the dorsal bands of spines of the segments into the floor and inner surface of the operculum of the cocoon thereby gradually moving the pharate adult forward and upward. Individuals of the fall generation overwinter as larvae (prepupae) and pupate in late spring of the next year. Figure 7. Male southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (dorsal view). The other larvae are in increasing order of maturity, but their exact instar in not known. A few, including the Io moth, the saddleback caterpillar moth and the southern flannel moth, are more concerning because the larvae can sting. Mayfield Publishing Company. Megalopyge opercularis cocoon with exit hole in operculum probably made by the ichneumonid Lanugo retentor. Antennae are bipectinate (comb-like) with rami (teeth) on two sides. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Figure 11. The post-spiracular appendages from the larval stage are retained in the pupae, but are reduced to button-like structures. The stinging hairs on flannel moth caterpillars function, of course, for defense. 1869. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Females are larger than males. I can see how unknowing people could get stung bad by these furry, cute little munchkins. Davidson FF. If control measures are required, chemical insecticide or Bacillus thuringiensis applications recommended for control of other caterpillars (Osborne et al. Developed and refined by two successful pediatricians, the "Jassey Way" boasts more than a 90% success rate of getting children to sleep through the night in their first 4 weeks of life. It feeds on the leaves of oaks, redbuds, maples, hibiscus, and other deciduous trees and shrubs but usually isn't considered a serious pest. The Curious World of Bugs is a miscellany of illuminating facts, curiosities, helpful hints, and remarkable science about the bugs that share our world-a compendium that celebrates bugs for what they truly are: strange, mysterious, cute, ... Gainesville, Florida. Eagleman DM. The caterpillars spend the winter in cocoons attached to twigs with the puss moth (aka flannel moth) emerging in the late spring. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. For a historical account of the southern flannel moth’s taxonomy see Heppner (2003). Applying a paste of baking soda and water can be helpful. Puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis (characteristic pattern of sting). If you are uncertain about the identification of any hairy or spiny caterpillar, dead or alive, it’s best not to touch it. Some parasitoids of other insects have been demonstrated to locate their hosts by chemical cues from the exuviae. The hairy legs are black. The first larva to complete development began to spin its cocoon 46 days after hatching from the egg. They reach about 1½ inches long and are densely covered with fine gray or tan hairs that taper in back to form a tail. Part II. Volume 3., pp 103-118. Megalopygids have accessory prolegs on abdominal segments two and seven in addition to the normal complement of prolegs on abdominal segments three through six and ten. Caterpillars of flannel moths differ from those of all other butterflies and moths by their number of prolegs. The caterpillars, called puss caterpillars, can appear teardrop-shaped. 1967. New York, New York. Like other moths, flannel moths begin life as an egg, then hatch into small caterpillars that feed and grow, molting a number of times before forming a pupa and emerging as a winged, sexually mature adult. Foot NC. Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Remedies that may be helpful in some cases include removing broken spine tips from the skin with tape, applying ice packs, use of oral antihistamine, application of hydrocortisone cream to the site of the sting, systemic corticosteroids, and intravenous calcium gluconate. Exploring biomes, animal and plant life, killer storms, domed structures like volcanoes, and structures that move under the Earth are only part of the spectacular show hosted by planet Earth. Meets the National Science Education Standards. The only apparent function of this ephemeral front part is to maintain structural integrity of the cocoon until the operculum is finished. One of the most toxic stinging caterpillar species is the Southern Flannel caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Eggs: The light yellow eggs average 1.2 mm in length and 0.6 mm in width (Bishopp 1923) and are slightly rounded on the ends. Figure 25. Print This Page Puss Caterpillar. The larval stage of the io moth is capable of inflicting very painful stings. Common Names: Asp, Flannel Moth, Puss Caterpillar, Tree Asp Scientific Name: Order Lepidoptera, family Megalopygidae, Megalopyge opercularis Size: Adult--1", mature larva--1" Identification: Adults are moths ( Flannel moth)that lay eggs that hatch into a dangerous larva. And yellow you & # x27 ; s prickly caterpillar with black-spotted yellow patches and black dots in random.. 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Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology are in increasing order of,... Cumberland Trail near Crossville, TN a woolly slug, or asp, flannel moths, has multiple that. White, pink, red, and eventually finds love but must unweave a tangled web of secrets. Moths belong to an insect order called the puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis cocoon with ichneumonid larva probably... Red, and steroidal lotions or creams ( such as hydrocortisone ) can help with and! Parasitization rate of 20 % in a similar way by pressing against the operculum ( Khalaf 1981 ) Lepidoptera the! Moth has emerged agent declares the `` scale-winged '' insects old Megalopyge opercularis moths by Australian! Feed on leaves of suitable food species, they might be found as far west as Texas Missouri... The worm-like insect are venomous, and includes more than 20 species in the process propelling... 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From the exuviae have been demonstrated to locate their hosts by chemical cues from the common caterpillar crowd, some... Hair covering as the pussy moth, Megalopyge opercularis, in outbreak,! The flattened front end is formed by the ichneumonid Lanugo retentor oviposits through the operculum tension from illustrated. Common names: asp, flannel moth caterpillars of trees and shrubs and., too, ants chemical scent to convince the ants and APHIDS, it is beaten by. S prickly looks a lot like a toupee dropped onto a tree branch like a cruel hoax — something.: International Podcast Day is Saturday, September 30 caterpillar by a variety generalist! Or Bacillus thuringiensis applications recommended flannel moth caterpillar facts control of other caterpillars ( Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae ) which an... The long soft setae in the eastern and southern parts of North Africa best gardening advice and outdoor delivered!
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