is the immature form of the southern flannel moth.
Its thick covering of silky-looking hairs makes it look more like a little tuft of fur than a typical caterpillar. The color can vary, with individuals appearing grayish, tan, golden, or brown.
The hairs are part of what makes this caterpillar so deceptive.
From a distance, it can look soft enough to pet.
But underneath those hairs are tiny hollow spines associated with venom. When the caterpillar is brushed or pressed against skin, the spines can break and release irritating venom.
That means the fluffy appearance is not a sign that the caterpillar is safe to handle.
Why Does the Puss Caterpillar Look So Fuzzy?
Those long hairs are called setae, and they give the caterpillar its unusual furry appearance.
The adult insect is known as a flannel moth because the moth itself also has a fuzzy, soft-looking appearance.
The caterpillar’s
