Southern Flannel Moth vs Cinnabar Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Flannel Moth | Cinnabar Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megalopyge opercularis | Tyria jacobaeae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Megalopygidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 25-36 mm wingspan | 32-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, Central America | Europe, central Asia (introduced to Australasia and Americas) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
The puss caterpillar is considered the most venomous caterpillar in North America, with stings requiring medical attention.
Cinnabar Moth
A day-flying moth with charcoal-black wings marked with crimson-red stripes and spots. It has been deliberately introduced worldwide as a biological control agent for ragwort.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars store toxic alkaloids from ragwort, making them so distasteful that birds learn to avoid them.