Looking for Southern Flannel Moth (M. opercularis)

[beetlehorn]

I have collected a good number of Black Waved Flannel moths(Lagoa or Megalopyge crispata) which is pictured below, and White Flannel moths (Narope ovina). I have seen M. opercularis in the past, but am looking for a nice series to add to my collection. Has anyone seen this moth this year?

[leptraps]

I actually took a couple in Morgan State Forest, Morgan County, IN. yesterday. I also saw them in Owen County, Kentucky last week.

[beetlehorn]

Thanks Leroy, which species did you encounter in Owen County? I am looking for M. opercularis in particular.

[beetlehorn]

Since I started collecting these little flannel moths, I have found that they are the same as many other species in regards to localized populations. Just because the range map says you are in the right area, doesn't mean they are necessarily in the location you are collecting. This past week I found out that a place I have collected several times before, actually has the moth I was looking for. The Southern Flannel (Megalopyge opercularis) moth occurs from Maryland to Florida westward to Missouri and Louisiana according to the Eastern Moth book by Covell, but trying to locate them is a crap shoot. I am sure they are probably common as dirt in the deep south being sparsely populated further north. It is best known by it's larvae that looks furry, but has stinging hairs amongst the soft fur on it's body. They leave a rash that has a grid-like pattern, which can be irritating. Here is a specimen I attracted to my lights a few nights ago. Perhaps others will recognize it.

[leptraps]

They are relatively common the Morgan Monroe State Forest in Monroe County and Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County, both locations are in south of Indianapolis, Indiana.

I only collected one in 2017. When I collected my Light Traps yesterday, I found several in each Trap. I brought two home to mount. They were all males. I will return again on Wednesday, if they are still on the wing, I will keep them all for you.

I just looked in my collection, I have 7 males and 1 female. All are from Kentucky.

[beetlehorn]

Thanks Leroy. I truly appreciate it. Since you have encountered them in Indiana and Kentucky, they should also be found in my local area of Kentucky, and Tennessee. I guess I need to try a few other places in my county. No telling what I'll find. The specimen in the photo above is from Jackson county Alabama, where I got 4 males last Tuesday.