Biology:Flannel moth
| Flannel moth | |
|---|---|
| |
| Megalopyge opercularis | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily: | Zygaenoidea |
| Family: | Megalopygidae Herrich-Schäffer, 1855 |
| Genera | |
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See text | |
The flannel moths or crinkled flannel moths (scientific name Megalopygidae) are a family of insects. They occur in North America (11 species) and the New World tropics.
Distribution and habitat
The moth occurs in North America and the New World tropics.
Life cycle and behavior
Adult flannel moths are stout-bodied, and very hairy. Females have thin antennae while males' are feather-like. Larvae are called puss caterpillars and, with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls. 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, and shock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar of Megalopyge opercularis. Caterpillars have 7 pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have 5 or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs.[1]
Genera
- Aithorape
- Cephalocladia
- Coamorpha
- Edebessa
- Endobrachys
- Eochroma
- Hysterocladia
- Macara
- Malmella
- Megalopyge
- Mesoscia
- Microcladia
- Microrape
- Norape
- Norapella
- Podalia
- Proterocladia
- Psychagrapha
- Repnoa
- Thoscora
- Trosia
- Vescoa
- Zyzypyge
References
Sources
- Natural History Museum genus database
- "Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota". http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/insects/027051n.html.
- BugGuide
- USGS--Caterpillars of Eastern Forests
- Auburn University
- Moths of Borneo—lists the family as neotropical
- Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension
- Ohio State University
External links
Wikidata ☰ Q135433 entry
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