Florida is in the midst of its semi-annual influx of Megalopyge opercularis, the scientific name for the fuzzy and deceptively cute puss caterpillar. Other names include tree asp, asp caterpillar, and pussy moth. The “puss” derives from the larvae’s resemblance to a Persian cat because of its coat of fur that sometimes can be puffy and even curly. However, its name and fuzzy appearance is a bit of a trick — though its name and appearance lend to a docile and friendly nature, the reality is anything but.
The larva of a puss caterpillar typically grows to about one inch in length. Their color varies from grey-white to golden-brown to charcoal-grey. In lieu of spinning a cocoon, this fascinating creatures sheds its fur coat and uses it to shield itself while it pupates. The adult moth also grows a long fur. Golden-brown fur with fuzzy black legs gives a false appearance of a bumble bee if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Their most obvious characteristic makes them irresistible for some to touch, but it hides a simple contraption that proves poisonous to even the slightest human contact.
Beneath the fuzzy coat lies venomous spines that break off into the flesh of anything that touches the puss caterpillar. The venom in these spines can cause extremely painful reactions for the victim that may travel up the limb and may require medical attention. Symptoms of envenomation include nausea, headache, migraine, swelling, stinging and burning sensations, abdominal cramping, blisters, and rash.
Victims that suffer from pre-existing health conditions such as allergies, asthma, and cardiovascular problems can experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, numbness, chest pain, and exaggerated symptoms typical of their health condition. Cellophane tape can be used to remove the broken spines, followed by a paste of baking soda and water, hydrocortisone cream, or calamine lotion and ice packs to help relieve the swelling at the site of the stinging.
Puss caterpillars live on various trees and garden plants in many different places of the United States and Central America, from Maryland to Florida, and further west all the way to Texas. In Florida, they flourish twice a year; during the spring and again during the fall. They live on oak, citrus, and elm trees, and they eat leaves of plants such as apple, oak, persimmon, birch, pecan, almond, and hackberry.
So to all Floridians, if you see the adorable puss caterpillar, remember to keep your hands to yourself! To satisfy your curiosity, check out this video of a puss caterpillar emerging from its hairy cocoon as a puss moth.
Featured Image from Adriana Margarita Larios Arellano/Shutter Stock
