The Southern Flannel Moth is a contender for the title of our most bizarrely spectacular moth. This is a male (note the feathery antennae).

Umstead State Park, Wake Co., NC 7/24/13

Female (note antennae not feathery).

Umstead State Park, Wake Co., NC 7/24/13

Umstead State Park, Wake Co., NC 7/24/13

Also known as Asp Moth or Puss Moth, this is a bizarre furry-looking caterpillar with stinging hairs.

Orange Co., NC 9/12/10.

This one and the one below are feeding on Red Maple (Acer rubrum).

Orange Co., NC 9/12/10.

An earlier instar caterpillar.

Orange Co., NC 9/12/10.

Orange Co., NC 9/12/10.

Orange Co., NC 9/12/10.

Orange Co., NC 9/12/10.

Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo Co., TX 10/15/04.