What is an asp caterpillar?
Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), of the order Lepidoptera, are also known as asps. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Puss moth caterpillars are endemic to the southern US and live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes and schools and in parks.
What does an asp caterpillar turn into?
Southern Flannel Moth
This caterpillar species is prevalent on the East coast of the United States, but most commonly in Texas, south of Dallas. The Asp caterpillar forms a cocoon and hatches into the Southern Flannel Moth approximately 16 days later. The cocoons often remain on trees long after they have hatched.
How do you identify an asp?
The Texas asp is teardrop-shaped, and, with their long, silky hairs, resemble a tuft of cotton or fur. Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors.
What do you do if you get stung by an asp caterpillar?
What to do if you’re stung by an asp?
- Apply an ice pack to the sight of the sting.
- Take antihistamines if the pain is more forceful.
- Some asps have stout spines, which will become stuck in your skin if you’re stung.
- If you’re allergic to insect bites or stings or if the pain continues, see a physician immediately.
What to do if you see an asp?
You can usually address the sting at home. Start by washing the sting with soapy water and pulling out any embedded hairs left behind. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the area, then apply a baking soda slurry or calamine lotion to soothe itching or stinging.
How big is an asp caterpillar?
about 1 inch long
Puss caterpillar or “asp”, Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). Photo by Drees. Description: The caterpillars grow to about 1 inch long and are furry in appearance, being completely covered by thick tan to grayish-white hairs that taper toward the back end.
How big is an asp?
It grows to a maximum length of approximately 85 cm (33 inches) and is usually gray to brown with a dark zigzag band on the back and spots on the sides. The common adder eats frogs, young birds, and small mammals. It bears its young alive, and 6–20 are born in August or early September.
What is the most poisonous caterpillar in the world?
Lonomia obliqua
Guinness World Records classified the Lonomia obliqua as the most venomous caterpillar in the world….
| Lonomia obliqua | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Lonomia |
| Species: | L. obliqua |
| Binomial name | |
| Lonomia obliqua Walker, 1855 |
What does asps look like?
Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors. The mature larva is 1 to 1 1/2 inches long with seven pairs of prolegs (suction-cup like claspers, on the rear half of the body). The adult moth has blunt wings covered with long, wavy hair and a wingspan of 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
Asp Caterpillar. The Asp caterpillar, also known as the Puss caterpillar, is a very hairy caterpillar with fur that ranges in colour from white or pale blonde through to chesnut brown and a deep, slate gray. The body of the caterpillar narrows at its base and extends into a long, over-sized tail.
What is an ASP insect?
Puss caterpillars (also called asps) are the larvae of flannel moths. The name puss caterpillar comes from the pretty hairdo that resembles a pussycat’s fur. The adult moths and the larvae are pretty, but watch out. The pretty fur that can be several colors conceals a serious and dangerous sting that comes from hollow spines hidden by the soft fur.
What are butterfly caterpillars?
Caterpillars /ˈkætərˌpɪlər/ are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary and the larvae of sawflies commonly are called caterpillars as well.