πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Black-waved Flannel Moth

Megalopyge crispata

About Black-waved Flannel Moth

A fluffy white to yellowish moth with wavy dark lines across the forewings. Like its relative the puss moth, its caterpillar is densely hairy and delivers a painful sting.

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Did You Know?

The adult moth's long curly wing scales make it look remarkably like a tiny Persian cat.

How to Identify Black-waved Flannel Moth

Black-waved Flannel Moth (Megalopyge crispata) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Megalopygidae. Adults typically measure 25-35 mm wingspan.

Black-waved Flannel Moth Habitat

Black-waved Flannel Moth is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Black-waved Flannel Moth Diet and Feeding

Black-waved Flannel Moth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Black-waved Flannel Moth Found?

Black-waved Flannel Moth can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Black-waved Flannel Moth can be found

Is Black-waved Flannel Moth Dangerous?

Black-waved Flannel Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Black-waved Flannel Moth Role in Nature

Black-waved Flannel Moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Black-waved Flannel Moth

What does Black-waved Flannel Moth look like?

The Black-waved Flannel Moth typically measures 25-35 mm wingspan.

Where is Black-waved Flannel Moth found?

The Black-waved Flannel Moth is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits orchards environments.

What does Black-waved Flannel Moth eat?

The Black-waved Flannel Moth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Black-waved Flannel Moth dangerous to humans?

The Black-waved Flannel Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Black-waved Flannel Moth?

The adult moth's long curly wing scales make it look remarkably like a tiny Persian cat.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Black-waved Flannel Moth (Megalopyge crispata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-waved-flannel-moth

MLA:
"Black-waved Flannel Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/black-waved-flannel-moth.