In Texas these caterpillars are commonly known as “asps”. This caterpillar is often abundant and may infest shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and in parks. They are of minor importance as enemies of shade trees, but they can cause a severe sting.

Megalopyge opercularis is a moth of the family Megalopygidae. It has numerous common names, including southern flannel moth for its adult form, and puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, [3] puss moth, tree asp, or asp caterpillar.

2021年10月26日 · The best-known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, commonly called an “Asp.” This caterpillar is often abundant and may infest shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and in parks.

Common Name: Puss caterpillar or “asp” Scientific Name: Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith) Order: Lepidoptera. Description: The caterpillars grow to about 1 inch long and are furry in appearance, being completely covered by thick tan to grayish-white hairs that taper toward the back end. Among the long body hairs are shorter spines that ...

2023年11月8日 · The name of ‘puss caterpillar’ comes from the fact that they look like tiny Persian cats. Due to their painful bite, this species is also called ‘asp’ caterpillars as their bite can be as painful as a snake’s one. They can range in color from gray-white to dark brown and almost black.

2018年11月12日 · According to Texas A&M University, the state is home to a few different kinds of stinging caterpillars, which are called asps. It’s not common to get stung, but if you’ve ever known a victim of the...

2023年7月13日 · Scientists at the University of Queensland in Australia decided to find out. The team revealed that the venom of asp caterpillars, also known as puss caterpillars, contains a special protein that...

2022年11月2日 · As the seasons change, the Texas Asp is making an appearance once again. ‘Puss caterpillars’: What are they and how dangerous are they? KXAN News Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Dr. Santos...

2024年4月16日 · Color: White to pale gray with darker markings Adult moths are nocturnal and have a unique wing pattern that helps them camouflage against tree bark. The larvae, called puss caterpillars, are covered in fine gray or tan hairs, with a teardrop shape and a crest of rusty hairs on their back 1 .

Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), of the order Lepidoptera, are also known as asps. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Puss moth caterpillars are endemic to the southern United States and live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes and schools and in parks.