Insect identifier · Ants, bees, and wasps
How to identify a Southern flannel moth caterpillar
Megalopyge opercularis
· Also called puss caterpillar, asp, woolly slug
People searching “what does a southern flannel moth caterpillar look like” or “southern flannel moth caterpillar bite” want a field ID, not a scare. Southern flannel moth caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) is a ants bees wasps in this guide. Also called puss caterpillar, asp, woolly slug.
A cute fuzzy slug on a Texas oak that burned your arm is a puss caterpillar.
What does a southern flannel moth caterpillar look like?
Southern flannel moth caterpillar is About 25 mm, fuzzy. Colors people notice: tan, gray, brown. Field marks: Teardrop of blond or gray hair; On oak, elm, or garden plants; Do not touch.
Southern flannel moth caterpillar is About 25 mm, fuzzy. Colors people notice: tan, gray, brown. Field marks: Teardrop of blond or gray hair; On oak, elm, or garden plants; Do not touch. If the marks fail, open the look-alike pages before forcing this name.
Identification marks
- Teardrop of blond or gray hair
- On oak, elm, or garden plants
- Do not touch
Size: About 25 mm, fuzzy
Colors: tan, gray, brown
Where: outdoor
What a typical southern flannel moth caterpillar bite looks like
Immediate burning pain, grid-like rash, sometimes radiating pain. Not a mosquito welt. Tape off loose hairs Wash, ice
Immediate burning pain, grid-like rash, sometimes radiating pain. Not a mosquito welt. Fever, spreading redness, or trouble breathing needs a clinician.
If you were bitten
- Tape off loose hairs
- Wash, ice
- Emergency care for severe pain, many stings, or a child
Southern flannel moth caterpillar vs Velvet ant
Teardrop of hair on a southern oak = puss caterpillar. Fuzzy red-black runner = velvet ant.
- Velvet ant identification (Dasymutilla occidentalis)
- Blister beetle identification (Epicauta spp.)
Range and season
Southern flannel moth caterpillar is active late summer and fall in the south. Typical places: yard, woods, garden. Looks like a tiny toupee. Under the hair are venomous spines. A sting is severe burning pain.
Southern trees and shrubs, late summer.
Looks like a tiny toupee. Under the hair are venomous spines. A sting is severe burning pain.
Late summer and fall in the South
Common questions
What is an asp caterpillar?
The puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis. The cute hair hides spines.
Puss caterpillar vs woolly bear?
Woolly bears are bristly and not this venomous. The southern asp is a teardrop of hair.