Comments for
Fuzzy yellow ridge backed caterpillar (Flannel moth caterpillar)

Click here to add your own comments

Flannel moth caterpillar
by: Moni

Lisa
You have a caterpillar or the larva of one of the flannel moths. It is probably the Southern flannel moth caterpillar or Puss caterpillar as Denise suggests, but species is hard to be sure from a photo. There are multiple generations of these moths 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, hackberry ,oak, orange, pecan, persimmon, sycamore, 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 redness 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. Antihistamine drugs, used for other insect stings, are reportedly ineffective.
Megalopyge opercularis
by: Denise

Common Name: Puss caterpillar or "asp"
Scientific Name: Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith)
Order: Lepidoptera

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Insect Identification

Return to Fuzzy yellow ridge backed caterpillar (Flannel moth caterpillar)




All of Doug's Ebooks Can Be Found Here





Subscribe


Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner



Subscribe in a reader




Subscribe in a reader

E-Mail Updates


Enter Email Address Here:

Delivered by FeedBurner



Videos

Watch Videos


Loading...

.