Slug moth caterpillar

common name: puss caterpillar (larva), southern flannel moth (adult) scientific name: Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith 1797) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae) The southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae), is an attractive small moth that is best-known because of its larva, the puss caterpillar, which is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States (Bishopp 1923, El-Mallakh et al. 1986, Hossler 2010, Khalaf 1975). Figure 1. Male southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (dorsal view). Photograph by Figure 2. Male southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (anterior lateral view). Photograph by Figure 3. Female southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis (lateral view). Photograph by The family name Megalopygidae and genus name Megalopyge are derived from the Greek roots Megalo (large) and pygidium (rump) - probably because of the shape of the caterpillars. The specific epithet, opercularis, is derived from the Latin word operculum (Borror 1960) and refers to the lid (door) on the cocoon. The name “puss caterpillar” is likely in reference to the caterpillar’s resemblance to a cat with its soft fur and tail. The southern flannel moth was originally described by J. E. Smith (1797) and named Phalaena opercularis (common name, waved yellow egger moth). For a historical account of the southern flannel moth’s taxonomy see Heppner (2003). In addition to the name “puss ca...

The There is another moth caterpillar that goes by the name of Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata), but this is less commonly seen on tomatoes than Manduca sexta. They are similar, but you can tell them apart fairly easily: Manduca sexta has 7 white slashes on its side, while Manduca quinquemaculata has 8 white V-shaped marks (a slash with an extra horizontal line). On tomato in my garden in Durham, NC 9/3/2013.

The spun glass caterpillar Isochaetes beutenmuelleri is a member of the slug moth family and persists throughout much of the United States. It boasts a nearly transparent, glassy body core inset with extensions covered in dozens of dazzling crystal green barbs. More than a dozen tentacle-like appendages give the caterpillar a curious squid resemblance, which is emphasized by slow, circular, slug-like movements across a silky slime residue. Although they appear beautiful, these creatures are extremely deadly. Touching their barbs results in skin penetration, an excruciating sting, and subsequent raging dermatitis. These caterpillars also exude poison from their spiky prickles, making for formidable opponents to humans and predators alike. Image: Facebook Spun glass caterpillars feed on the foliage of swamp oak trees, and though native to much of the United States, their numbers are few and encounters are rare. The caterpillars’ exquisitely radiant beauty only lasts for a short time, however. The most interesting aspect of spun glass caterpillars is their transformation. From glimmering, glowing gems they mutate into plain, dull brown moths. While as larvae the caterpillars could have been strung together and draped like sparkling tinsel around a Christmas tree, in adulthood they fly under the radar, completely unnoticed. The adult moths remain small, with a wingspan averaging 19–24 mm. For the rest of their lives, their most distinctive color marking is a circular brown spo...

Wierd Green Slug/Bug/Caterpillar Tue, Oct 14, 2008 at 8:58 AM Hi, my son and I recently found this(bug) on the ground outside our house. I tried to look it up online, but found nothing. It is very small and strange looking. It sticks to your finger on the bottom it looks like small hairs almost velco like. When touched it seems to shrink up a very small amount you have to watch it VERY close or it doesn’t even look like it is moving. We call it our alien bug. We brought it inside and put it into our plant container, about 6 hours later it was gone, or so we thought until we found a small brown ball in the corner. When I poked it, it opened up and the bug was inside. I took pictures of it and by morning it was in a ball again. What is this? I am so curious. What is it going to turn into when it emerges? Renee Macomb, Michigan Slug Moth Caterpillar Hi Renee, Your caterpillar is one of the Stinging Slug Moth Caterpillars, Isa textula. The adult moth is brown and relatively nondescript. You can see images of both the caterpillar and adult moth on Categories

The larval form of the Slug Caterpillar Moth is unlike the typical, tubular caterpillar. Its flattened body is oddly shaped, almost giving it the appearance of a chubby leaf. It is still slow moving, like ordinary caterpillars, but it has a few suckers instead of legs and feet. Those suckers make it possible to travel on the under-side of leaves. Like a typical slug, it glides along, feeding on the leaves of a variety of plants. It can be found in a variety of habitats. Some species have stinging bristles, or hairs, on the caterpillar. People may be allergic to them. This defensive adaptation protects it from being bothered by humans, but it was intended to deter avian and insect predators. The adult moth is somewhat interesting. Most are brown and may have residual green or white markings on them. The adult is nocturnal and does not eat. It spends all its energy trying to reproduce instead.©InsectIdentification.org Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work. * MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America wher...

Stinging caterpillars share a common defensive strategy to dissuade predators. All have urticating setae, which are barbed spines or hairs. Each hollow setae funnels poison from a special glandular cell. The spines stick in your finger, then break away from the caterpillar's body and release the toxins into your skin. When you touch a stinging caterpillar, it hurts.The reaction depends on the Stinging caterpillars mean business. Here are some nice, safe pictures to view, so you know what they look like. Saddleback caterpillar. Getty Images/Danita Delimont Though the bright green "saddle" makes you want to take a closer look at the saddleback caterpillar, don't be tempted to pick it up. The saddleback's spines protrude in nearly every direction. The caterpillar will arch its back to get as many spines into you as possible. The Species and Group Sibine stimulea. Slug Caterpillars (Family Limacodidae) Where It's Found Fields, forests, and gardens from Texas to Florida, and north to Missouri and Massachusetts. What It Eats Crowned slug caterpillar. Flickr user Here's a beauty of a caterpillar. The crowned slug displays its spines like the feathered headpiece of a Vegas showgirl. The stinging setae line the crowned slug's perimeter, decorating its flattened, green body. Later instars (or phases between development) may also be marked with colorful red or yellow spots along the caterpillar's back. Species and Group Isa textula. Slug Caterpillars (Family Limacodidae) Where It's F...