The puss caterpillar, also known as the southern flannel moth caterpillar, is recognized by its dense, fur-like covering, resembling a tiny Persian cat. This appearance often belies its venomous nature. Hidden beneath its soft exterior are hollow spines, or setae, connected to venom glands that can cause a painful sting upon contact, making it one of North America’s most venomous caterpillars.
Primary Geographic Distribution
Puss caterpillars are primarily found across the southeastern United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas. They are particularly common in Gulf Coast states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. While abundant in Florida, their highest concentrations are often observed in Texas, particularly from Dallas southward. Beyond the United States, populations of Megalopyge opercularis are also present in parts of Central and South America. These subtropical caterpillars prefer warmer climates, and their distribution can fluctuate, influenced by environmental factors such as local weather patterns and food availability.
Specific Environments and Host Plants
Within their broad geographic range, puss caterpillars inhabit various environments, including wooded areas, gardens, and residential neighborhoods. They are frequently encountered on a variety of trees and shrubs, serving as host plants, with common preferences including oak, elm, pecan, apple, and plum trees. They can also be found on other deciduous trees like hackberry, maple, and sycamore, as well as on rose bushes and ivy. Caterpillars often feed on the underside of leaves or along branches, sometimes even on the ground in broadleaf groundcover plants, especially in urban and residential settings. Mature puss caterpillars may wander from their host plants to spin cocoons on nearby structures or buildings.
When They Are Most Active
Puss caterpillars exhibit seasonal activity, typically appearing from late spring through early fall. Their populations often peak during the summer months, specifically in July, and again in the fall, around October, due to multiple generations within a single year. Adult moths typically emerge in spring, laying eggs that develop into the first generation of caterpillars, usually seen between May and July. A second generation appears from late July through October. These later caterpillars form cocoons and overwinter, emerging as moths the following spring.