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At first glance, the Puss Caterpillar—also known as the “cat-faced caterpillar”—looks like something you’d want to keep as a pet. Soft, fluffy, and almost too cute to be real. But don’t be fooled. Touching it could send you straight to the emergency room.
Scientifically known as Megalopyge opercularis, the puss caterpillar is the larval form of the southern flannel moth. Despite its cuddly appearance, this insect is considered the most venomous caterpillar in the United States.
The sting of a puss caterpillar is reportedly more painful than a jellyfish, octopus, or wasp sting. National Geographic reports that children from Florida to North Carolina have suffered excruciating pain after contact with this deceptively adorable creature. Some picked it up out of curiosity—others were unlucky enough to have it fall on them from trees.
They’ve been spotted across the southern U.S., as far west as Texas and Missouri, and even in Mexico. More recently, sightings in Virginia may be linked to climate change, according to entomologist Theresa Dellinger from Virginia Tech.
They’ve been spotted across the southern U.S., as far west as Texas and Missouri, and even in Mexico. More recently, sightings in Virginia may be linked to climate change, according to entomologist Theresa Dellinger from Virginia Tech.
Scientifically known as Megalopyge opercularis, the puss caterpillar is the larval form of the southern flannel moth. Despite its cuddly appearance, this insect is considered the most venomous caterpillar in the United States.
A Pain Like No Other
In 2023, a 7-year-old boy from Mississippi was stung by one of these caterpillars in his backyard. He described the sensation as “a really bad pain”, according to WMC Action News 5. His mother, Kelli McCaskill, said it was “the worst pain I’ve ever seen him experience,” warning others to stay alert.The sting of a puss caterpillar is reportedly more painful than a jellyfish, octopus, or wasp sting. National Geographic reports that children from Florida to North Carolina have suffered excruciating pain after contact with this deceptively adorable creature. Some picked it up out of curiosity—others were unlucky enough to have it fall on them from trees.
Where They Live—and Lurk
These venomous fuzzballs are often found in shaded areas near homes, schools, or parks, especially in late summer and early fall. Their diet includes leaves of elm, oak, and hackberry trees.They’ve been spotted across the southern U.S., as far west as Texas and Missouri, and even in Mexico. More recently, sightings in Virginia may be linked to climate change, according to entomologist Theresa Dellinger from Virginia Tech.
Where They Live—and Lurk
These venomous fuzzballs are often found in shaded areas near homes, schools, or parks, especially in late summer and early fall. Their diet includes leaves of elm, oak, and hackberry trees.They’ve been spotted across the southern U.S., as far west as Texas and Missouri, and even in Mexico. More recently, sightings in Virginia may be linked to climate change, according to entomologist Theresa Dellinger from Virginia Tech.
What to Do If You're Stung
If stung by a puss caterpillar, experts recommend:- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
- Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
- Take aspirin or antihistamines
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or if you develop blisters or intense pain
