Puss Caterpillar

Megalopygidae

Check out this mohawk! The Puss Caterpillar wears a very punk rocker hairstyle that looks soft and fuzzy but beware, never touch the hair, or you will regret it! They are considered the most venomous caterpillars in the United States.

Beyond this mohawk is venomous stinging spines that pack a painful punch! It's recommended to admire these punk rockers from a distance, but if you do happen to brush shoulders, then there a few things you can do.

The Puss caterpillar venomous spines are hollow, and each is equipped with a venom gland at its base. All larval stages called instars may produce a sting, but the stings' toxicity increases with the size of the caterpillar.

Host plants- The Puss Caterpillar's favorite food is various species of oak leaves but also found on elms including the non-native species Chinese Elm. Garden plants like rose and ivy can also a tasty choice.

What do they become? Since Caterpillars are just one of many life stages as you will see in this image the Caterpillar looks like its having a bad hair day but it has actually made a cacoon!

When the moth emerges from the cocoon it will be a Southern Flannel Moth. This moth resembles a cute velvet like bee. Looks like the Caterpillar went from punk rock to silky smooth sophisticate!

Sting treatment that may be helpful include removing broken spine from the skin with tape, ice packs, antihistamine, and hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.