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The family name Megalopygidae is derived from the Greek roots Megalo (large) and pygidium (rump), probably because of the shape of the caterpillars. The name "puss caterpillar" is likely in reference to the caterpillar's resemblance to a cat with its soft fur and tail.

Publications


Showing 24 of 24 Publications

The Pecan Bud Moth: Pest of Nursery Stock and Transplanted Pecans

Russell Mizell III
Other Contacts: Amanda C. Hodges

Erythrina moths Terastia meticulosalis Guenée and Agathodes designalis Guenée

Andrei Sourakov

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Hickory Horned Devil (Larva), Regal Moth or Royal Walnut Moth (Adult), Citheronia regalis (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Ceratocampinae)

Donald W. Hall

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management This document provides an in-depth profile of the regal moth, Citheronia regalis, and its larval stage, the hickory horned devil. It covers the moth's distribution, physical description, life cycle, host plants, and natural enemies. The regal moth is notable for its large size and striking appearance. The hickory horned devil, despite its fierce look, is harmless and should be relocated if found in unsuitable environments. The article emphasizes the importance of preserving these moths and provides detailed information for both laypersons and academic audiences. Original publication date August 1998.

Magnificent Moths: A Guide to Begin “Mothing” and Contributing Your Observations to iNaturalist

C. T. Callaghan, B. M. Mason, andJoe Montes de Oca

The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance and tips on how to enter the wonderful world of moths, or "mothing," and, further, how to leverage iNaturalist to document moth observations and contribute to science. The intended audience is anyone who is interested in the natural world and wants to learn more about observing moths, identifying moths, and contributing to science by adding their observations to iNaturalist.

Snowbush spanworm (larva), white-tipped black (adult), Melanchroia chephise (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera; Geometridae: Melanchroia)

Kaydie McCormick and Adam Dale

Melanchroia chephise, commonly known as the snowbush spanworm or white-tipped black, is an occasional insect pest of snowbush shrubs and several other ornamental plant species. Found throughout the southern United States, these gregarious moth caterpillars can commonly be found defoliating their chosen hosts soon after they emerge en masse. The colorful appearance of the caterpillars may be alarming, but they pose little risk to people, and usually offer no lasting harm to the plants they feed on. The adult moths, with their black and white wings, can be an attractive addition to a pollinator garden. This publication describes how to identify this insect and provides in-depth information on its biology, development, and management.

Wax Moth Control

Cameron J. Jack and Jamie D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Management. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Cecropia Moth, Cecropia Silk Moth, Robin Moth, Hyalophora cecropia Linnaeus (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Saturniinae: Attacini)

Geoffrey R. Gallice

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Imperial Moth Eacles imperialis imperialis (Drury, 1773) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Ceratocampinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Nantucket Pine Tip Moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Wayne N. Dixon

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Laurelcherry Smoky Moth, Neoprocris floridana Tarmann 1984 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Zygaenidae: Procridinae)

Donald W. Hall
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Io Moth Automeris io (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Ornate Bella Moth, Rattlebox Moths Utetheisa ornatrix (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)

Donald W. Hall
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Spanish Moth or Convict Caterpillar, Xanthopastis timais (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John B. Heppner, Kathryn A. Barbara, and Eileen A. Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Edwards Wasp Moth, Lymire edwardsii (Grote) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae: Ctenuchinae)

Dale H. Habeck and Frank W. Mead

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Luna Moth, Actias (=Tropaea) luna (Linneaus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Saturniinae)

Donald W. Hall
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Indianmeal Moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Thomas R. Fasulo and Marie A. Knox

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella, a prevalent household pest. It details the moth's distribution, life cycle, and the damage caused by larvae to stored food products. The article also covers monitoring techniques, such as pheromone traps, and various management strategies, including sanitation, chemical control, and biological control using parasites. The emphasis is on the importance of eliminating infested food and maintaining proper storage practices to prevent infestations. First published 1998. 

Polyphemus Moth Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Saturniinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Bumelia Webworm Urodus parvula (Edwards 1881) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Urodidae)

Donald W. Hall
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Hieroglyphic Moth, Diphthera festiva (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

James C. Dunford and Kathryn A. Barbara

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Squash Vine Borer Melittia cucurbitae (Harris) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)

Eutychus Kariuki and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

John L. Capinera
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.