Southern Flannel Moth
Megalopyge opercularis

Southern flannel moths are covered in fine hairs that resemble fur or flannel.
Advertisement
Southern Flannel Moth Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Megalopygidae
- Genus
- Megalopyge
- Scientific Name
- Megalopyge opercularis
Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.
Southern Flannel Moth Conservation Status
Southern Flannel Moth Facts
- Prey
- N/A
- Main Prey
- N/A
- Name Of Young
- puss caterpillar
- Group Behavior
- Solitary
- Solitary except during mating season
- Fun Fact
- Southern flannel moths are covered in fine hairs that resemble fur or flannel.
- Estimated Population Size
- Undetermined
- Biggest Threat
- Habitat loss
- Most Distinctive Feature
- Hairy body
- Distinctive Feature
- small size
- Other Name(s)
- N/A
- Gestation Period
- 2 weeks
- Temperament
- docile; solitary
- Wingspan
- 1-1.5 inches
- Training
- N/A
- Optimum pH Level
- N/A
- Incubation Period
- 2 weeks
- Age Of Independence
- birth
- Age Of Fledgling
- N/A
- Average Spawn Size
- Undetermined
- Litter Size
- Undetermined
- Habitat
- Commonly found in wooded areas, such as deciduous forests, but can also be found in urban and suburban environments in U.S. Gulf Coast states and Mexico.
- Predators
- Not well-known, but assumed to be similar to other moths. These would include birds, bats, wasps, and small mammals.
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Average Litter Size
- Undetermined
- Lifestyle
- Diurnal
- Favorite Food
- N/A
- Type
- Megalopyge opercularis
- Common Name
- Southern flannel moth
- Special Features
- hairy
- Origin
- North America
- Number Of Species
- 250
- Location
- North America
- Slogan
- N/A
- Group
- eclipse
- Nesting Location
- trees
- Age of Molting
- molts at various stages as a larva
Southern Flannel Moth Physical Characteristics
- Color
- Brown
- Black
- White
- Cream
- Orange
- Skin Type
- Exoskeleton
- Lifespan
- 1 week-6 weeks
- Weight
- less than one ounce
- Height
- 0.25 - 0.5 inches
- Length
- 0.5 - 1 inch
- Age of Sexual Maturity
- 3 days - 1 week
- Age of Weaning
- N/A
- Venomous
- No
- Aggression
- Low
View all of the Southern Flannel Moth images!
The Southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) is a species of moth native to the Southern United States. The adult moth has a wingspan of about 1-1.5 inches and is variably colored gray to brown with creamy yellow accents and a rusty-orange thorax. The Southern flannel moth looks like it could use a haircut. These little moths are covered in setae (singularly, seta) that resemble hair or fur. Keep reading to learn more about these interesting creatures!
Five Fabulous Facts about Southern Flannel Moths
- The Southern flannel moth is native to the Southern United States, primarily in the Gulf Coast region.
- Southern flannel moths are covered in fine setae that resemble fur or flannel.
- The adult moth has a wingspan of about 1 inch and is primarily gray or brown in color.
- The larvae, also known as puss caterpillars, have long, dense, stinging hairs that can cause severe skin irritation and even anaphylactic shock in some individuals.
- The stinging sensation caused by the caterpillars’ venomous hairs can last for several days, and in some cases, the venom can cause an allergic reaction
Southern Flannel Moth: Scientific Name
The Southern flannel moth’s scientific name is Megalopyge opercularis. Megalopyge loosely translates to very large bottom. This name is almost certainly a nod to this moth’s pearlike shape. Opercularis is Latin for cover and is thought to refer to the lid of the species’ cocoon. However, it might be a reference to these small moths’ furry little bodies. They have large areas of brown-to-gray on their forewings with white hairs covering them. The thorax is covered with rusty-orange hairs. Their legs are covered in yellow hair, and their feet in black hair. In other words, they have very hairy covers!
Appearance
The Southern flannel moth has three distinct sections: head, thorax, and abdomen. All three sections sport long setae, or bristly hairs. These setae give the moth the appearance of being quite furry and soft, like an old flannel shirt. The head is covered in setae, with two long antennae protruding from its top. The antennae of females are thin and white, while males have feathery yellow antennae. Their abdomens are fluffy and are colored from caramel to brown to gray. The thorax is covered in orange setae. The wings are small and fringed with setae and are typically held against the body when at rest. The legs are also covered in long, yellow hair with black feet. Adult moths are relatively small, measuring about 1 inch in length.

©Brett Hondow/Shutterstock.com
Behavior
Southern flannel moths are known for their fuzzy, flannel-like appearance and their tendency to fly during the day. They are not considered aggressive and do not pose a threat to humans. These little moths are much more interesting in their larval form. In their larval state, these moths are called puss caterpillars. Puss caterpillars are known for their vicious sting, the pain of which has been compared to a heart attack or limb amputation. Adding insult to injury, the caterpillars also cause damage to agricultural crops by eating the leaves of plants like cotton and peanuts. However, Adult moths do not sting and are unable to cause crop damage as they can’t eat! Southern flannel moths have vestigial mouthparts, meaning that their mouths are too small and underdeveloped to be functional. Most flannel moths produce two broods, though those in the deep South will produce three.
Habitat
Southern flannel moths are found in the Southeastern United States, primarily along the Gulf Coast, and in Mexico. They are commonly found in wooded areas, such as deciduous forests, but can also be found in urban and suburban environments. The adult moths are typically active during the late summer and fall, while the larvae, or caterpillars, are present from spring to early fall. Adult moths are visible near the plants on which they will lay their eggs. Their larvae, puss caterpillars, feed on a wide variety of plants. Trees such as oaks, elms, and pecans, are preferred. However, they are also found on agricultural crops such as cotton, peanuts, and corn. Their larvae cause damage by feeding on the leaves and fruit of these plants, reducing crop yields.
Southern Flannel Moth: Diet
As mentioned previously, Southern flannel moths do not eat. Instead, these moths rely on energy stores from their larval stage in which they grew plump on the leaves of various plants including trees, shrubs, and agricultural crops. these moths have vestigial mouths.
Predators
There is not much information readily available on this species’ predators. There are anecdotal reports of a lacewing feeding on the eggs of the Southern flannel caterpillar, and a lizard eating a later instar, before rubbing its mouth against the ground, suffering, no doubt, from the punch of the sting. Lacking direct evidence, it is assumed that like many species of moths, their natural predators include birds, bats, and insects such as praying mantises, lady beetles, and ants. It is also possible that other mammals and reptiles may also prey on Southern flannel moths.
Threats
Southern flannel moths face a number of threats including habitat loss, pesticide/herbicide use, and climate change. As their preferred habitat is longleaf pine forests, the destruction of these forests is leading to a decline in the Southern flannel moth population. Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture and residential areas are also harming the moths and their larvae. Climate change is having an impact, as changes in temperature and rainfall patterns disrupt the timing of the moths’ lifecycle.
Southern Flannel Moth: Conservation Status
The Southern flannel moth is not considered an endangered species. However, this species is not well-studied and many factors affect insect populations which fluctuate from year-to-year. For more information regarding the status of these moths in your area, contacting a local expert or organization, such as a university entomology department or a conservation group is recommended.
Lifecycle
The Southern flannel moth goes through four stages in its lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The female moth lays her eggs on the underside of leaves of host plants, such as holly, oak, and pyracantha. The eggs are small and round and are usually laid in clusters. After hatching, the larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of the host plant. They are fuzzy and have distinctive yellow-orange colored tufts of hair. They also have a venomous and painful sting. Once the larvae have grown large enough, they spin a cocoon and pupate. The pupa is reddish-brown and is usually attached to a leaf or twig. After about two weeks, the pupa emerges as a moth. The moths are small, with a wingspan of about 1-1.5 inches.
The lifecycle from egg to adult takes between 5-6 weeks.

Its larval stage, the puss caterpillar, has a venomous and painful sting.
©Brett Hondow/Shutterstock.com
Population
Southern flannel moths are not considered a major pest species, and as such, their population numbers are not regularly tracked or monitored by the government or academic organizations. Additionally, the population of any given species can fluctuate greatly depending on a variety of factors such as weather conditions and predation
Up Next:
View all 347 animals that start with SSouthern Flannel Moth FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How did the flannel moth get its name?
The flannel moth’s name is a reference to its furry body. The body is covered in setae, hairs that look like fur, or a soft, flannel shirt. They also resemble tiny gerbils!
Where do Southern flannel moths live?
Southern flannel moths live in the Southeastern United States, primarily along the Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas. They are also native to Mexico.
What do Southern flannel moths eat?
Southern flannel moths do not eat. Instead, these moths rely on energy stores from their larval stage in which they grew plump on the leaves of various plants including trees, shrubs, and agricultural crops. Southern flannel moths have vestigial mouthparts, meaning that their mouths are too small and underdeveloped to be functional.
What is the conservation status of the Southern flannel moth?
The Southern flannel moth is not considered an endangered species. However, this species is not well-studied and many factors affect insect populations which fluctuate from year-to-year. For more information regarding the status of these moths in your area, contacting a local expert or organization, such as a university entomology department or a conservation group is recommended.
What predators do Southern flannel moths face?
There is not much information available on this species’ predators. There are anecdotal reports of a lacewing feeding on the eggs of the Southern flannel caterpillar, and a lizard eating a later instar, before rubbing its mouth against the ground, suffering, no doubt, from the punch of the sting. Lacking direct evidence, it is assumed that like many species of moths, their natural predators include birds, bats, and insects such as praying mantises, lady beetles, and ants. It is also possible that other mammals and reptiles may also prey on Southern flannel moths.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the AZ Animals editorial team
Thank you for your feedback!
We appreciate your help in improving our content.
Our editorial team will review your suggestions and make any necessary updates.
There was an error submitting your feedback. Please try again.
Sources
- ufl.edu / Accessed January 22, 2023
- insectidentification.org / Accessed January 22, 2023
- wikipedia.org / Accessed January 22, 2023