Animal in news: Furry Puss Caterpillars

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.