The Puss Moth, also known as the Southern Flannel Moth, is a fascinating creature with a unique appearance. Its caterpillar stage is widely recognized for its distinctive furry look, resembling a small kitten. While they may appear cuddly, it’s important to know that their appearance is deceiving, as these caterpillars have potent stings.
Puss Caterpillars are primarily found in the Southeast of North America, with their population being most abundant in late spring through early fall. The adult moths, which are small and hairy, have a wingspan of around 1-1.5 inches and display a yellow to orange coloration on their bodies covered with thick hair that looks like fur. This intriguing species offers both captivating features and cautionary tales for those who encounter them.
Puss Moth Overview
Physical Characteristics
The Puss Moth (Cerura vinula) is a species of moth in the Notodontidae family, closely related to butterflies. They have distinct physical features:
- Wingspan: Range between 45 to 70 mm
- Color: White to pale gray with darker markings
Adult moths are nocturnal and have a unique wing pattern that helps them camouflage against tree bark. The larvae, called puss caterpillars, are covered in fine gray or tan hairs, with a teardrop shape and a crest of rusty hairs on their back 1.
Distribution and Habitat
Puss Moths are native to regions in Europe and Asia, and are commonly found in woodland areas, scrubland, and hedgerows. The preferred host plants for their larvae include:
- Willow (Salix spp.)
- Poplar (Populus spp.)
These moths are attracted to light, making them easier to spot in gardens 2.
Regional Distribution Comparisons
Region | Native/Introduced | Distribution |
---|---|---|
Europe | Native | Widespread |
Asia | Native | Widespread |
North America | N/A | Not found |
Puss Moth Life Cycle
Eggs
- Laid in batches
- Typically found on plants
Puss moth eggs are laid in batches on plants1. They are the first stage in the life cycle.
Caterpillars
- Densely covered with fine gray or tan hairs
- Teardrop-shaped and about 1½ inches long
The caterpillars, called puss caterpillars, are teardrop-shaped and reach about 1½ inches long2. They are densely covered with fine gray or tan hairs, which taper in the back to form a tail2.
Cocoon and Pupa
- Tough cocoons
- Remain on plants after adult emergence
Cocoons are tough and may remain on the plant after the adult moth has emerged3. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar transforms into a pupa, which then transforms into an adult moth.
Adult Moths
- Small, hairy moths
- 1-1.5 inch wingspan
Adult moths are small and hairy, with a wingspan of 1-1.5 inches3. Females are larger than males3. The front wings are yellow, while the hind wings are creamy yellow3. Moth bodies are covered with thick hair, which looks like fur and is yellow to orange in color3.
Puss Moth Caterpillars
Appearance
Puss moth caterpillars, scientifically named Megalopyge opercularis, are known for their unique appearance. They are covered in thick, fluffy setae, reminiscent of a cat’s fur, which gives them their name1. These caterpillars can reach about 1½ inches long, with fine gray or tan hairs that taper to form a tail2.
Feeding Habits
Puss moth caterpillars are herbivores, feeding primarily on various types of leaves from trees and shrubs3. These larvae can cause damage to plants by defoliating them during feeding4.
Predators
As far as natural predators for puss moth caterpillars, there is not much information available. However, it can be deduced that they might have various predators, such as birds and predatory insects. Some animals might avoid them due to their stinging setae, which act as a defense mechanism5.
Defense Mechanisms
One of the main defenses puss moth caterpillars have against predators is their stinging setae, concealed beneath the longer, softer hairs6. These stinging hairs can cause painful reactions if touched by humans or animals7. Their appearance might also serve as a form of camouflage among foliage, making them less visible to predators8.
Footnotes
- (https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/flannel-moths) ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- (https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/puss-caterpillar) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- source ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
- NCBI Bookshelf ↩
- Home & Garden Information Center ↩
- NC State Extension Publications ↩
- NCBI Bookshelf ↩
- Home & Garden Information Center ↩
11 Comments. Leave new
If you are stung by this caterpillar, as fast as you can smash it into the spot. This will stop the sting reaction.
Can you provide any documentation regarding this remedy?
nothing I’ve read says to smash it on the spot.
The recommendation is to stick tape to the area and remove repeatedly to pull out all the “hairs” from the skin as soon as possible
Medical attention might be needed if the reaction degrades from “painful sting, swelling and redness” into any kind of respiratory difficulty.
Why on earth would you kill a caterpillar defending itself? That’s literally the same as killing a baby… :c
Started finding these last week here in Friendswood. Kids and I thought they were cute until we looked on the Internet and found out how dangerous they were. Have found about six of them and hoping they spin their cocoons quickly so we don’t have to worry about them crawling around.
Hey, that’s Donald Trump’s toupee
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My sea green junipers in my front yard are being destroyed by some unknown pest that I would assume to be a moth/caterpillar. There are many brown hanging appendages on the branches. When I squeeze one, something inside the pod pops. So I assume it must be a larvae pouch, but my junipers are dying. Does anyone have a suggestion what I could use to prevent this from getting any worse? Thanks. This problem is happening in Oklahoma City.
We suspect you have Bagworms.
I am visiting my grandparents, and there are several asps on theyre back porch. My grandparents are 90 and 93 years old . I would hate for one of them to get stung. Strange thing is there arent any trees around so why are they here
Yes, there are lots of these to be found in southern Arizona. I see them most
Commonly on oak trees.