Caterpillars of Eastern Forests
Crinkled Flannel Moth (Lagoa crispata)
Densely hairy, gray, orange, or tan. Somewhat squat, oval outline when viewed from above. Hairs form indistinct crest over midline, which is often lighter in color. Pale body surface visible through pile. Stinging hairs located on warts below downy, hairlike setae. Earlier instars vested with very long, swirling pale hair. Southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) with curled setal tufts to either side of tail. Caterpillar of yellow flannel moth (L. pyxidifera) similar. Food: broadly polyphagous on shrubs and trees. Caterpillar: June to November; 2 or more generations in South, 1 in North.
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