Comments for brown furry grub (Puss caterpillar or Southern flannel moth larva)
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Comments for
brown furry grub (Puss caterpillar or Southern flannel moth larva)

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Puss caterpillar
by: Moni

Emily
Here is a website that lists several photos of the cocoon to see if yours looks like them.
http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=3435

This insect does overwinter as a cocoon, so it could have pupated. If it is not cared for like the conditions it is use to for overwintering then it might not emerge. Cocoons can be hard to rear.
Just be careful not to get the stinging hairs on your skin!
cocoon?
by: emily

what do they look like once they turn into a cocoon? or do they?

i kept one in a glass jar with leaves, twigs, and misted it every few hours and now its attached to a twig but i can't tell if its dead or in a cocoon...it hasn't moved and its got grey fuzzy stuff all around it.
southern flannel moth
by: Anonymous

my dogs got stung by this brown furry grab caterpillar and I gave them benidrill and put mouth was on it to help the stinging
Furry Grub
by: Sandra

That is a puss caterpillar. DO NOT TOUCH IT! It is extremely poisonous. I was stung last year by one in my yard in Kenner, La. It was one of the most painful things I have ever felt. Apparently, the venom travels to the nearest lymph node in your body. The pain is very intense and covers the area between the lymph node and the site of the sting. The pain can persist for days but normally lasts about 24 hours. I would strongly recommend killing all the puss caterpillars that you see before you or someone else is accidentally stung by one.

Sandra
Puss caterpillar
by: Moni

Willy
Forgot to say thanks for the great photo. Having the tape measure, a full view and your description was GREAT!
Thanks for the thoroughness!
Puss caterpillar or Southern flannel moth larva
by: Moni

Willy
You have a Puss caterpillar or the larva of the Southern flannel moth.There are multiple generations of this moth in the south where you live. They are found in woodland areas and feed on a wide range of woody plants including apple, almond,birch,elm,hackbery ,oak,orange, pecan,persimmon, scycamore, and rose.

This caterpillar can sting with its venomous hairs. It is said that the sting starts a couple of minutes after contact from the spines on the side of the caterpillar. Pain and itchy burning occurs followed by the spot turning red and in a few more minutes small blisters appear. The blisters last several minutes with the itching lasting several hours and the reddness lasts a day or more. People sensitive to insect stings should seek medical attention.
To reduce pain and irritation use tape to pull out some of the broken spines in the sting area. Washing the area thoroughly with soap and water and as some suggest, poultices of potato or ginger root may help remove some of the irritating venom. Prompt application of an ice pack or baking soda may help to reduce pain and prevent swelling. Antihistaminic drugs, used for other insect stings, are reportedly ineffective.

So far I have not found any information on pets being stung or what to do if they are stung by this caterpillar. Best move the caterpillar(with a stick or container) to a place where the dog can not get to it.
Please be careful.

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