Lateral Longhorn Beetle vs Southern Flannel Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lateral Longhorn Beetle Southern Flannel Moth
Scientific Name Mastododera lateralis Megalopyge opercularis
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cerambycidae Megalopygidae
Size 20-35 mm 25-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Madagascar Southeastern United States, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lateral Longhorn Beetle

A medium-sized longhorn beetle with dark elytra marked by pale lateral stripes along the sides. It has the characteristically long antennae of the cerambycid family.

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Did You Know?

Like many longhorn beetles, the larvae can take several years to develop inside wood before emerging as adults.

Southern Flannel Moth

A fluffy moth covered in cream to orange-brown fur-like scales. Its larva, called the puss caterpillar, is covered in soft-looking hair that conceals venomous spines.

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Did You Know?

The puss caterpillar is considered the most venomous caterpillar in North America, with stings requiring medical attention.