#megalopyge

Megalopyge crispata

Common name: Puss Moth, Southern Flannel Moth, Asp Moth

Scientific name: Megalopyge opercularis

Can be found in: The Eastern and Southern United States, (More specifically Virginia and Florida), Mexico, and parts of Central America

Info: The caterpillar's appearance makes it look like a small persian cat, giving it its "puss" name. Unfortunately, touching the bug causes the hairs to get embedded in the skin, causing rashes, blisters, and a severe burning pain. More extreme reactions can cause swollen lymph nodes, nausea, and respiratory distress. Most victims usually recover within a day, but extreme cases can linger for longer. There is no specific treatment for a sting, but ice packs, antihistamines, creams, and ointments can be used for pain relief.

Eerika Schulz, a german photographer has been uploading beautiful pictures of different insects around the Heimatlos farm and lodge in Puyo, Ecuador. The diveristy of moths in a single place is incredible, all these were taken in the same location and here's just some of my favorites.

ID:

1. Emarginea minastes

2. Clemensia sp.

3. Idalus fasciipuncta

4. Eulepidotis preclara

5. Parasa flora

6. Trosia sp.

7. Oospila albicoma

8. Agrasa sp.

9. Hampsonodes sp.

Megalopyge opercularis - Southern flannel moth

Bug of the Day

Crazy poodle-like hair on this Black-waved Flannel Moth (Megalopyge crispata)!

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis), outside Sinton, TX. June 2013. 

A species found throughout the southeastern US and into the Mid-Atlantic, the southern flannel moth can be found in forests and scrubland habitats, where it feeds on a variety of trees (oaks and elms are common food plants). As a caterpillar it is covered in long hairs, to the point at which its body cannot be seen. It is sometimes referred to as a puss caterpillar, and in Texas, the Asp, because beneath those hairs are stinging barbs.