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The puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis (J.E Smith). This caterpillar is a convex, stout bodied larva, almost 1 inch long when mature and completely covered with gray to brown hairs. Under the soft hairs are stiff spines that are attached to poison glands. When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Puss caterpillars feed on a variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs, but prefer oaks and citrus. In Florida, there appear to be two generations per year, one in spring and the other in the fall. Natural enemies keep these caterpillars at low numbers during most years; however, they periodically become numerous.
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