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White Flannel Moth

Norape ovina[3]

The white flannel moth caterpillar, also called the hackberry leafslug, is a tufted, stinging caterpillar often found on redbud as well as hackberry, beech and mimosa; brushing against it can sting like a bee.[1][2]

Group
Insect
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Megalopygidae
US records
18 states
Sources
3 cited
Updated
2026-10-15

No licensed photo of this species is available yet; the identification notes below describe what to look for.

On this page
  1. Identification
  2. Where it lives
  3. Biology
  4. Damage and signs
  5. Health risk
  6. Control
  7. Related profiles
  8. Common questions
  9. Sources

How to identify it

  • Full-grown caterpillars are about 1 to 1 1/4 inches long, yellowish with a wide dark stripe down the back marked with pale spots or raised tufts and rusty red at each end.[1][2]
  • The long silky hairs don't sting; short needle-like hairs at the base of the tufts do.[1]
  • The adult is a pure white, fluffy moth.[2]

Where it lives

Found in the southeastern and central United States, including North Carolina and Kentucky.[1][2]

US map: public records from 18 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Moths emerge in summer and lay eggs in lines on host leaves; caterpillars pupate in tough brown silk cocoons.[2]

Damage and signs

  • Hosts include redbud, hackberry, beech, black locust, elm, greenbrier, mimosa and honey locust; damage is rarely significant.[1][2]

Health risk

NC State likens the sting to a wasp or bee: pain lasting a few hours and sometimes blisters. 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

Preventive sprays aren't recommended; clip off and move the leaf a caterpillar is on.[1]

Pesticides

Where they are numerous near homes or play areas, spray infested plants with Bt or carbaryl or another landscape-labeled contact insecticide.[1][2]

Common questions

What is the yellow and black tufted caterpillar on my redbud?
Possibly a white flannel moth caterpillar (hackberry leafslug), which stings.[1][2]
How bad is the sting?
About like a bee or wasp sting, lasting a few hours, sometimes with blisters.[2]
Will they be back next year?
Maybe not; parasites and diseases make numbers swing from year to year.[2]

Sources

  1. University of Kentucky Entomology (ENTFACT), “Stinging Caterpillars (ENTFACT-003).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef003 (accessed 2026-10-15)
  2. NC State Extension, “Hackberry Leafslug or White Flannel Moth (PDIC Factsheet).” content.ces.ncsu.edu/hackberry-leafslug-or-the-white-flannel-moth (accessed 2026-10-15)
  3. iNaturalist, “Norape ovina taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1368495 (accessed 2026-10-06)

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