Puss moth caterpillars rarely cause serious damage to trees however they can pose a health hazard to children and gardeners. The color is about the same as that of the larva, because the larval hairs are incorporated in the silk. The dorsal surface of the cocoon is marked by a structure similar to a leaf scar. At one end of the cocoon a trap door is provided for the escape of the adult as it emerges from the pupal case. Cocoons can be found on the trunk or branches of the host plant. The caterpillar spends the winter within a unique-shaped cocoon. One to two generations occur each year, though southern flannel moth caterpillars tend to be more common in the fall. Caterpillars may also be seen feeding on dwarf yaupon and other shrubs. BiologyĪdult moth of the Southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis, Photo by Laura Bellmore.Īdult puss moths emerge in late spring or early summer to lay several hundred eggs on favored host trees, such as oaks, pecan, elm, hackberry and other trees. Other common stinging caterpillars in Texas include the Io moth, buck moth and saddleback moth caterpillars. Wings are orange at the base, fading to cream-colored at the tips, and the legs are covered with delicate, strikingly colored hairs. The adult moth has blunt wings covered with long, wavy hair and a wingspan of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The mature larva is 1 to 1 1/2 inches long with seven pairs of prolegs (suction-cup like claspers, on the rear half of the body). Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors. Southern flannel moth caterpillars are teardrop-shaped, and, with their long, silky hairs, resemble a tuft of cotton or fur.
#Asp worml length skin
When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against skin, venomous hairs stick into the skin causing a severe burning sensation and rash. They are of minor importance as enemies of shade trees, but they can cause a severe sting. This caterpillar is often abundant and may infest shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and in parks. In Texas these caterpillars are commonly known as “asps”. The best known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis. The spines, when brushed against the skin, produce a painful rash or sting. The immature stages of flannel moths are caterpillars which are clothed with fine hairs and venomous spines. Flannel moths get their name from the flannel-like appearance of the wings of the adult, which are clothed with loose scales mixed with long hairs. Most stinging caterpillars belong to the insect family known as flannel moths.
#Asp worml length series
The southern flannel moth caterpillar hides a series of venomous spines under it soft hairs.
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