Puss Caterpillar

Deciduous forests and urban gardens in the Southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America

Herbivorous; feeds on the leaves of various trees and shrubs including oak, elm, wild cherry, and garden plants like roses

Larvae have a distinctive dense coat of hair-like setae; they undergo several molts before spinning a tough, silk cocoon to pupate into the Flannel Moth

Highly toxic; the soft-looking fur hides venomous spines that cause intense pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms in humans upon contact. They are occasional garden pests.