Flannel - a beautiful and dangerous fur beauty (6 photos + 2 videos)

“Hey, moth, where are you taking your fur coat? Let’s finish it at home!” Remember this old joke? This moth, even if it descended to our homes, would definitely bypass any fur coat or sweater there. After all, she has her own, a real one, and so luxurious that any fashionista would turn green with envy.





We are talking about the flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) - a representative of the family Megalopygidae, inhabiting Mexico and certain areas of the United States. The unusual insect got its name thanks to its luxurious coat, under which you can’t even immediately see the moth itself. More precisely, in an adult insect it is still possible, at the stage of caterpillar development - this is something with something.



And it looks like a guinea pig with an increased degree of hairiness, and like a stray cat. After the photo appeared on the Internet, people even began to put forward versions that Donald Trump had clearly stolen the idea for his wonderful wig from this cosmically delightful creature.





People also came up with other unofficial names for flannel: puppy, hairy slug, fire caterpillar and others. The usual diet of flannel moth caterpillars is leaves of various crops. Flannel especially respects citrus fruits, but it doesn’t mind eating oak leaves either.

Hey, don't stand too close - I'm an evil asp, not a pussy!



At the sight of a fluffy ball of concentrated cuteness, even people who are terrified at the sight of insects want to stroke this miracle. And completely in vain, since nature took care of protecting this unusual creature. In a specific way: hidden under the caterpillar’s ​​coat are hollow spines containing a dangerous toxin. And the carcass is covered with a kind of warts - growths equipped with glands with poison. Spikes-hooks stick out at the top. And upon contact with human skin, the tip of the thorn breaks off, releasing poison under the skin.

The feeling is unpleasant. The bite site turns red, begins to itch, and becomes covered in blisters. Particularly susceptible people should seek professional help from doctors, as breathing problems, nausea and vomiting may occur.



Locals know about the peculiarities of the goose bun with the mentality of a fire-breathing dragon. And they try to avoid these busy wigs. But in 1923, there was an outbreak of flannel activity in San Antonio. There were a lot of caterpillars, and they spread to the point that they fell on people from the trees, showering them with poisonous rain. Even schools had to be closed due to the large number of children affected.



Adult fluffies are safe and lead the normal life of insects. But the caterpillar form of this unusual creature is best admired from a distance.