The spines, when brushed against the skin, produce a painful rash or sting. This caterpillar is often abundant and may infest shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and in parks. They are of little importance as enemies of shade trees, but they can cause a severe sting. When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against skin, venomous hairs stick into the skin causing a severe burning sensation and rash. Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors.
Wings are orange at the base, fading to cream-colored at the tips.
Other common stinging caterpillars in Texas include lo moth, buck moth and saddleback moth caterpillars. Caterpillars may also be seen feeding on dwarf yaupon and other shrubs. One to two generations occur each year, though puss moth caterpillars tend to be more common in the fall. The caterpillar spends the winter within a unique-shaped cocoon. Cocoons can be found on the trunk or branches of the host plant.