Puss Caterpillar: Identification, Sting Severity, and Safe Removal

Deceptively Dangerous

The puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) resembles a tiny, harmless tuft of fur—but beneath those soft-looking hairs lie hollow spines connected to venom glands. Contact produces excruciating pain, earning it a top ranking among stinging caterpillars.

Identification

• Teardrop-shaped, 1-1.5 inches long
• Covered in dense, tan to grayish-brown "fur"
• Found on broadleaf trees: oak, elm, maple, apple, pecan, sycamore
• Two generations per year in Georgia (spring and late summer/fall)

Sting Symptoms

Immediate intense burning pain, followed by red halo around sting site, then development of blood-filled cysts at spine penetration points. The clinical presentation is distinctive enough for physicians to diagnose without seeing the caterpillar.

Safe Removal Protocol

1. Wear heavy gloves
2. Use newspaper or stiff paper to collect caterpillars
3. Place in sealed container for disposal
4. Never handle with bare hands

Population Dynamics

Infestations are typically small and localized. Natural predators and parasites usually keep numbers low. Most stings occur in September-October when second-generation caterpillars are active.