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Megalopyge opercularis is a moth of the family Megalopygidae.It has numerous common names, including southern flannel moth for its adult form, and puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, [3] puss moth, tree asp, or asp caterpillar.
Stings from this toxic creature can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and blood spots around affected region. Despite their cute fuzzy exterior, stay away from these harmful caterpillars.
In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, and shock-like symptoms. Perhaps the most notorious for stinging is the caterpillar of Megalopyge opercularis. Caterpillars have seven pairs of prolegs, while other Lepidopterae have five or fewer pairs. They feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. [2]
Lonomia obliqua is a species of saturniid moth ("giant silk moth") from South America. [1] It is famous for its larval form, rather than the adult moth, primarily because of the caterpillar's defense mechanism, urticating bristles that inject a potentially deadly venom.
It is currently peak season for the puss caterpillars, and even though they usually live at a safe distance high up on tree branches, reports of people being stung are on the rise. The one-inch ...
Larva of Lonomia obliqua, the most toxicologically-significant species, to mammals, of its genus; stings are a medical emergency and require treatment with antivenom. Several lepidopteran families include species whose larvae bear urticating hairs. Families prominent in this respect include the following: [2] [3] [4] [5]
Acharia stimulea is known for having one of the strongest stings and, because the saddleback caterpillar is commonly found in ornamental plants, gardeners are most at risk of accidental exposure. The spines along the caterpillar, when broken, will release an irritating toxin into its victims that is known to cause acute urticaria in humans. [3]
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