Caterpillars in Your Yard and Garden

Crinkled flannel moth

Puss caterpillars

Crinkled flannel moths caterpillars (Lagoa crispata) are present in summer and fall. They produce two generations per year.

Crinkled flannel moth caterpillars are covered with tufts of long, dense hairs, ranging in color from gray, orange and tan. The light-colored hairs form a crest along the top of the body. Underneath the coat of silky hairs are small tubercles containing urticating hairs that can cause severe irritation when handled improperly. Host plants include a variety of trees and shrubs, such as oak and sassafras.

About the family

Puss caterpillars belong to the Megalopygidae family.