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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.
Stings from this toxic creature can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and blood spots around affected region. Despite their cute fuzzy exterior, stay away from these harmful caterpillars.
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 seven pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have five or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. [2]
Larval "hairs" may be stinging in some species, due to histamines their caterpillars make. The insects advertise these defenses with aposematic bright coloration, unusual postures, odours, or in adults, ultrasonic vibrations. Some mimic moths that are poisonous or wasps that sting. [10]
It is currently peak season for the puss caterpillars, and even though they usually live at a safe distance high up on tree branches, reports of people being stung are on the rise. The one-inch ...
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The sting can be quite potent, [6] causing severe pain. The larval head is concealed under folds. [2] First-instars skeletonise the leaf (avoiding small veins and eating mostly one surface), but later instars eat the whole leaf, usually from the underside. [4] Many species seem to feed on several genera of host plants. [2]
Megalopyge opercularis, asp caterpillar or tree asp, a venomous caterpillar; People. Nathan Aspinall, nicknamed "The Asp", English darts player;