Southern Flannel Moth
ExploreInsects
Southern Flannel Moth
megalopyge opercularis
The Southern Flannel Moth is a fluffy little insect that looks like it’s wearing a soft, fuzzy coat! Kids love to spot these colorful moths flitting around at night!
Habitat: Southern Flannel Moths live in wooded areas, gardens, and near shrubs where they can find food and shelter.
Appearance
The Southern Flannel Moth is a stout, fuzzy insect covered in dense, woolly hair. Its wings and body are typically cream, yellow, or orange, often appearing like a tuft of cotton or felt, distinct from most smoother-bodied moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyMegalopygidaeGenusMegalopyge
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult Southern Flannel Moths don't have mouths and cannot eat, living only to mate!
Despite looking soft, the caterpillar's 'fur' is actually stiff, hollow spines connected to venom glands!
Some Southern Flannel Moths can be almost pure white, while others are bright golden yellow!
The Southern Flannel Moth caterpillar's sting is one of the most painful stings from any insect!
Special abilities
Ability
Hidden Sting
Southern Flannel Moth caterpillars have venomous spines hidden beneath their fur that deliver a painful sting, protecting them from predators.
Ability
Master Disguise
As caterpillars, they blend seamlessly with tree bark and leaves because of their dense, furry coat, helping them avoid hungry birds.
Ability
Soft Deception
The adult moth's extremely fluffy appearance makes it seem unappetizing or like a harmless lump of fuzz, deterring some predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-40 mm
- Size
- 25-38 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on tree leaves, but adult moths do not eat at all!
Age differences: Caterpillars are herbivores, while adult moths do not feed.
Primary Foods
- Oak leaves
- Elm leaves
- Citrus leaves
- Pecan leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Blue Jays may prey on adult moths or caterpillars.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Brachymeria ovata
Some parasitic wasps lay eggs inside the caterpillars.
eats
Southern Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of oak trees.
eaten by
White-footed Mouse
Peromyscus leucopus
Mice might occasionally consume slow-moving adult moths.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Flannel MothLonomia MothPuss Caterpillar
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to touch the caterpillars, as they can sting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Flannel Moth's wingspan?
25-40 mm
How big is Southern Flannel Moth?
25-38 mm
How long does Southern Flannel Moth live?
5-10 days
What does Southern Flannel Moth eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on tree leaves, but adult moths do not eat at all!
Where is Southern Flannel Moth usually found?
Southern Flannel Moths live in wooded areas, gardens, and near shrubs where they can find food and shelter.
How does Southern Flannel Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Southern Flannel Moth have?
6
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