UPSC Articles
Animal in news: Furry Puss Caterpillars
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity
In news
- It is a southern flannel moth in its larva stage.
- After metamorphosis, the insect does not pose any threat.
- It closely resembles a wig or toupee.
- It is widely regarded as one of the most poisonous of its kind in the USA.
- The bristly hair that coats it, hides small and toxic spines that can get lodged in a person’s skin and cause immediate and intensely burning pain.
- The caterpillars, which subsist solely on oak and elm leaves, are commonly found in parks and near structures in southern states like Texas and Missouri.
