Southern Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Puss Caterpillar)

Deciduous forests, parks, and gardens. Often found on shade trees such as oaks, elms, citrus, and sycamores. Commonly found in the Southeastern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America.

The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs, including oaks, elms, hackberries, maples, wild plums, and roses.

These caterpillars are slow-moving and solitary. They are famous for their thick, furry appearance which resembles a tuft of fur or a 'toupee'. They go through several instars (molting stages) where his appearance changes slightly, becoming fluffier with age. They eventually spin a tough cocoon to pupate into the Sothern Flannel Moth.

RISKS: Highly Venomous. The soft-looking 'fur' conceals venomous spines that cause an extremely painful sting (often described as worse than a bee sting). Symptoms include immediate intense burning pain, a grid-like red rash, swelling, nausea, abdominal pain, and headache. Medical attention is sometimes required. BENEFITS: As adults (moths), they contribute to pollination, though their ecological impact is generally minor compared to their reputation as a pest due to the sting.