The flannel moths or crinkled flannel moths (scientific name Megalopygidae) are a family of insects. They occur in North America (11 species) and the New World tropics. Distribution and habitat The moth occurs in North America and the New World tropics. Life cycle and behavior Adult flannel moths are stout-bodied, and very hairy. Females have thin antennae while males' are feather-like. Larvae are called puss caterpillars and, with their long hairs, resemble cotton balls. They have venomous spines that can cause a painful sting and inflammation lasting for several days. In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, and shock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar of Megalopyge opercularis. Caterpillars have 7 pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have 5 or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. Genera Aithorape Cephalocladia Coamorpha Edebessa Endobrachys Eochroma Hysterocladia Macara Malmella Megalopyge Mesoscia Microcladia Microrape Norape Norapella Podalia Proterocladia Psychagrapha Repnoa Thoscora Trosia Vescoa Zyzypyge References Sources Natural History Museum genus database BugGuide USGS--Caterpillars of Eastern Forests Auburn University Moths of Borneo—lists the family as neotropical Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension Ohio State University External links