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Black-waved Flannel Moth

Megalopyge crispata (also listed as Lagoa crispata)[3]

The black-waved (crinkled) flannel moth caterpillar is a fuzzy, puss-caterpillar look-alike; its coat of long hairs hides short venomous spines that can sting badly if handled.[1][2]

Group
Insect
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Megalopygidae
US records
25 states
Sources
3 cited
Updated
2026-10-15
Young black-waved flannel moth caterpillar covered in long white wispy hairs on a leaf
Young black-waved flannel moth caterpillar covered in long white wispy hairs on a leaf. (c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0
On this page
  1. Identification
  2. Look-alikes
  3. Where it lives
  4. Biology
  5. Damage and signs
  6. Health risk
  7. Control
  8. Related profiles
  9. Common questions
  10. Sources

How to identify it

  • Mature caterpillars are covered in dense tufts of long gray, orange or tan hair with a lighter crest along the back; young ones carry long white wispy hairs.[1][2]
  • Under the coat are small tubercles with stinging hairs.[1][2]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Puss caterpillarMature larvae look very much like the puss caterpillar but lack its long tail, and their sting is usually less severe.[1]

Where it lives

Found in the eastern United States, including Kentucky and Missouri; MU reports caterpillars in summer and fall.[1][2]

US map: public records from 25 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

MU Extension reports two generations a year in Missouri; UK notes caterpillars can be common in late summer.[1][2]

Damage and signs

  • Caterpillars feed on many hardwoods and shrubs, including oak and sassafras; feeding is rarely significant.[1][2]

Health risk

Stings can cause severe irritation. No really effective home first aid exists; pull out broken spines with tape, wash well with soap and water, and apply an ice pack or baking soda; antihistamines given for bee stings are reportedly ineffective, and anyone with a severe reaction should see a physician.[1][2]

Control

Traps and physical control

Stinging caterpillars are infrequent and preventive sprays aren't recommended; clip and move the leaf or stem a single caterpillar is on.[1]

Pesticides

Where they are numerous around homes, schools or play areas, UK suggests spraying infested plants with Bt or carbaryl, following the label.[1]

Common questions

Can a fuzzy caterpillar sting?
Yes; this one's soft hairs hide short venomous spines.[1][2]
What should I do if I'm stung?
Remove spines with tape, wash with soap and water, apply ice or baking soda, and see a doctor for severe reactions.[1]
How is it different from a puss caterpillar?
It lacks the puss caterpillar's long tail and usually stings less severely.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Kentucky Entomology (ENTFACT), “Stinging Caterpillars (ENTFACT-003).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef003 (accessed 2026-10-15)
  2. University of Missouri Extension (Caterpillars in Your Yard and Garden, IPM1019), “Caterpillars in Your Yard and Garden, page 11: Crinkled flannel moth.” extension.missouri.edu/publications/ipm1019-11 (accessed 2026-10-15)
  3. iNaturalist, “Megalopyge crispata taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/703873 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-15. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.