Type Pest: chewing insect (Megalopyge opercularis J. E. Smith)

Type Metamorphous: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult stages)

Other Common Names: flannel moth, puss caterpillar
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Period of Primary Occurrence: late spring to late summer
      • Moths emerge in late spring to early summer to lay eggs
      • One or two generations can occur each year
      • Asp moth caterpillars are more commonly encountered in late summer and          into the fall when they attain half to full size
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Plants Affected: Oaks, pecan, elm, hackberry, dwarf yaupon, and hollies

Identifying Characteristics of Insect Pest

      • Adult moth approximately 1" long with blunt wings covered with long wavy             hair; wings are orange at the base and cream-colored at the tips

      • Moths lay eggs that hatch into a dangerous larva (caterpillars about 1" long)          with 7 pairs of prolegs (suction cup-like claspers on rear of the body)

      • Caterpillars are teardrop-shaped with long silky hairs, resembling a tuft of              cotton or fur (Fig. 1-4)

      • Colors vary from yellow or gray to reddish-brown or a mixture of colors (Fig.          1-4)

 Description / Symptoms

      • Venomous hairs stick into the skin causing painful burning and a rash

      • Other symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, shock or respiratory          stress

      • Pain usually subsides within an hour and spots disappear within a few days
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      • Infests shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools and in parks, but          cause no serious damage to the plant; infestation not limited to vegetation,            can be found on hard surfaces near trees and shrubs; hazard is to children            and gardeners who encounter them or others who brush up against them

      • One of the most toxic caterpillars in North America

      • Intense throbbing pain develops immediately or within five minutes of                    contact with the caterpillar

      • Blood colored spots in a grid pattern and swelling may occur at site of sting

      • Severe sting happens when the asp moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed                  against skin

First-aid for Stings

      • Ice pack applied to site of sting
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      • Oral antihistamines, for allergic reactions such as itching and for difficulty              breathing, see a physician immediately

 Best Management Practices (BMP)
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      • High populations of asp caterpillars can be controlled by spraying with a                residual pesticide such as permethrin, cyfluthrin or other sprays labeled for            control of caterpillars on ornamental plants

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4