Black-waved Flannel Moth
Common NameBlack-waved Flannel Moth
Scientific NameMegalopyge crispata
FamilyMegalopygidae
SubfamilyMegalopyginae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, black, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, apple, cherry, willow, clover
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae, known as 'puss caterpillars' or 'asp caterpillars', are covered in dense, venomous hairs that can cause a painful sting. They feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs before pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the extremely fluffy, pale yellow body and wings, combined with the characteristic black, wavy transverse lines on the forewings. Males have prominent feathery antennae.
Description
This is a very fluffy moth, predominantly cream to pale yellow, with distinctive black and sometimes brownish-orange wavy lines across its forewings. Its body is densely covered in long, soft hairs.
