About Megalopyge crispata (Packard, 1864)
Megalopyge crispata, commonly known as the black-waved flannel moth, crinkled flannel moth, or white flannel moth, is a moth species belonging to the Megalopygidae family. It is distributed along the east coast of the United States, reaching as far inland as Oklahoma. This species has a wingspan ranging from 25 to 40 mm. Adult moths are active from May through October. Populations in the northern part of its range produce one new generation each year, while populations in the southern part have two or more generations annually. The caterpillars of this species feed on a wide variety of tree and shrub species. These caterpillars produce venom that is delivered through hollow urticating hairs, which are capable of penetrating human skin. Contact with this venom can cause pain, a burning sensation, lymphadenopathy, headache, and inflammatory dermatitis.
