Flannel moth

Template:Short description Template:More citations needed Template:Automatic taxobox The flannel moths or crinkled flannel moths (scientific name Megalopygidae) are a family of insects.

File:Furry Puss Caterpillar 2014.JPG

A Megalopyge opercularis caterpillar on Kent Island, Maryland: a highly toxic species

Distribution and habitat

There is only one species of Megalopyge in the eastern United States, although there are several throughout the Neotropics. Only five species of the family are known to exist in Florida: three species of Lagoa and one species each of Megalopyge and Norape. While 236 species of Megalopyge are found from Mexico to Argentina, only 11 species have been identified in North America north of Mexico. Only the New World is home to the Megalopygae.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Life cycle and behavior

Adult flannel moths are stout-bodied, and very hairy. Females have thin antennae while males' are feather-like. Larvae are called puss caterpillars and, with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls. They are eaten by green lacewing insects and the Anolis lizards. They have venomous spines that can cause a painful sting and inflammation lasting for several days. In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, and shock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar of Megalopyge opercularis. Caterpillars have seven pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have five or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs.<ref name="mdc">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>