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| Flannel moth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Megalopyge opercularis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily: | Zygaenoidea |
| Family: | Megalopygidae Herrich-Schäffer, 1855 |
| Genera | |
See text | |
Theflannel moths orcrinkled flannel moths (scientific nameMegalopygidae) are a family of insects.
There is only one species of Megalopyge in the eastern United States, although there are several throughout the Neotropics. Only five species of the family are known to exist in Florida: three species of Lagoa and one species each of Megalopyge and Norape. While 236 species of Megalopyge are found from Mexico to Argentina, only 11 species have been identified in North America north of Mexico. Only the New World is home to the Megalopygae.[1]
Adult flannel moths are stout-bodied, and very hairy. Females have thin antennae while males' are feather-like. Larvae are calledpusscaterpillars and, with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls. They are eaten by green lacewing insects and theAnolis lizards. They have venomous spines that can cause a painful sting and inflammation lasting for several days. In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, andshock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar ofMegalopyge opercularis. Caterpillars have seven pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have five or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs.[2]
Media related toMegalopygidae at Wikimedia Commons