Stinging Caterpillars: Slug Caterpillars and Flannel Moths

Slug caterpillars in the family Limacodidae move with a slow gliding motion much like a slug. Some slug caterpillars are brightly colored with bumps, protuberances, or appendages. Most have irritating hairs or spines capable of delivering a painful sting. Larvae of the flannel moths in the family Megalopygidae possess warty growths with stinging hairs. These warts may be completely concealed under a dense covering of fine hairs, or the warts may be exposed but surrounded by tufts of very long hairs.Adults of both the Limacodidae and the Megalopygidae are stout, hairy moths that hold their wings in a tented position over their backs. Limacodid moths also tend to hold the tip of the abdomen elevated over their backs. Adult moths of stinging caterpillars are not known to cause dermatitis and attract far less attention than the rather bizarre-looking larvae.