White Flannel Moth
Common NameWhite Flannel Moth
Scientific NameNorape ovina
FamilyMegalopygidae
SubfamilyMegalopyginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, orange
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, elm, maple, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are also densely covered in hairs, often with stinging urticating hairs, and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its entirely white, fuzzy appearance, the prominent orange tuft on its head, and its small size. The dense, woolly texture is characteristic of flannel moths.
Description
A small, pure white moth with a very dense, woolly covering of hairs on its body and wings, giving it a 'flannel-like' appearance. It has a distinctive bright orange tuft of hairs on its head/prothorax.
