From Facebook groups to Reddit forums, fans are sharing photos and starting conversations about Lepidoptera around the world.
The immature stages of flannel moths are caterpillars which are clothed with fine hairs and venomous spines. “Those hairs are … Most moths and butterflies pose no risk to cats. While most butterflies and moths are likely non-toxic to hungry humans, a few species -- like the familiar monarch butterfly (Family Nymphalidae) -- feed on poisonous or unpalatable plants as larvae. From caterpillars to hatching as moths, these insect look like tiny fur-balls, hence the nickname of their larvae "puss caterpillars". Many butterflies and moths are brightly colored because they’re toxic. 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 … The sting comes from hollow spines hidden by the soft fur in several colors ranging from blond to dark brown. Look closely, and you'll see long hairs extending from its sides.
Flannel Moths.
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. 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. Bottom side of the caterpillar. This is fortunate since cats really enjoy pursuing these fancy fliers. They are worms with pretty hairdos but will sting severely. The adult moth is white, as the name suggests, but this larva wears a color scheme of black, yellow, and orange. The spines, when brushed against the skin, produce a painful rash or sting. The white flannel moth caterpillar feels like anything but flannel—it's prickly. Female flannel moths (what puss caterpillars become as adults) covers her eggs with hairs from the tip of her own abdomen. Despite their medical significance, not much is known about Lonomia species’ life cycles and biology. Exhibit A: the recent explosion of #MothMemes on social media.
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. As moths are drawn to a flame, people are drawn to moths. The hairs of the Southern Flannel Moth (Asp) Caterpillar conceal sharp toxic spines One of the most toxic stinging caterpillar species is the Southern Flannel caterpillar ( Megalopyge opercularis ). This caterpillar gives a nasty bite and is also called a puss moth, woolly slug, or Italian asp. A six-spot burnet moth pictured in its native habitat (Credit: University of Exeter) A species of British moth uses cyanide and bright red spots to warn off predators, new research has found. The stings from common caterpillars are rarely dangerous, but some large, exotic caterpillars can be toxic. Some caterpillars will sting, causing pain to your cat. Common Names: Asp, Flannel Moth, Puss Caterpillar, Tree Asp Clumps of shorter, stinging spines line its back and sides. A dults are moths (flannel moth) that lay eggs that hatch into a dangerous larva. Moths and butterflies are potentially dangerous to people in one context: eating them. The best known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis .