Megalopyge opercularis is a moth of the family Megalopygidae. It has numerous common names, including southern flannel moth for its adult form, and puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, fire …

In Texas these caterpillars are commonly known as “asps”. This caterpillar is often abundant and may infest shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and in parks. They are of minor …

Nov 12, 2018 · Asps fall from oak trees, elm trees, some citrus trees and rosebushes. “Patients will sometimes describe brushing something off that really hurts. They look down and see …

Oct 26, 2021 · The best-known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, commonly called an “Asp.” This caterpillar is often …

Jul 13, 2023 · Asp caterpillars spend most of their time innocently crawling along the branches of oak and elm trees in North America. But when these hairy creatures come into contact with …

Feb 25, 2025 · Asp caterpillars, also known as flannel moth caterpillars, have a distinctive appearance. They are typically fuzzy, with long, stiff spines or setae (singularly seta) covering …

Apr 12, 2022 · Asp or puss caterpillars, more formally known as the Texas southern flannel moth Megalopyge opercularis, emerge in the late spring and summer months to lay eggs on trees …

Mar 7, 2025 · The southern flannel moth caterpillar is the unique looking larval form, and it goes by many names: puss moth caterpillar, tree asp, and woolly slug. More important than its …