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    4647 – Megalopyge opercularis, 

    Southern Flannel Moth

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    Megalopyge opercularis,  Southern Flannel Moth
    Megalopyge opercularis,  Southern Flannel Moth
    Megalopyge opercularis,  Southern Flannel Moth

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    Megalopyge opercularis,  Southern Flannel Moth larva

    Blisters from a puss moth caterpillar sting 

    General Species Information

    ​

    Host Plant: Polyphagous - Oaks, palms and many other plants

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    Historical Range: SE USA

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    Our Experience with this Species: This is one of the most common and regular species in the Keys. They can be found throughout the year and have showed up at every location we have surveyed

    ​

    Notes: The larva of this specis is often called a "puss-moth caterpillar". Hidden in the hairs of this hairy slug-like larva are spines that pack a very painful sting if touched. This larva should not be handled at all

    Distribution Chart

    K. Largo   Marath. Ba. Hond     B.P.K.   No Name  Sck. Isd.    K. West
    Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed on that island

    Adult Flight Chart

      Jan.       Feb.     Mar.     Apr.    May     Jun.      Jul.       Aug.     Sep.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.
    Colored box indicates adult of this species has been confirmed in that month

    References

    http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu

    species page at: http://bugguide.net