Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Sat Oct 10, 2020, 09:27 AM Oct 2020

Poisonous puss caterpillars

Officials in Virginia are warning residents to stay away from a poisonous creature that has been spotted in the state. The Virginia Department of Forestry's health team said this week they have received reports about what is known as the puss caterpillar, seen in eastern Virginia counties.

Officials warn the caterpillar may look cute and harmless. It is not. "#SocialDistance away from this caterpillar!" the forestry department said on Facebook, posting a photo of the furry critter. "The 'hairs' of this caterpillar are actually venomous spines that cause a painful reaction if touched." The puss caterpillar, which is the larva of the southern flannel moth, is the most venomous caterpillar in the U.S. and even a simple brush with the insect can cause "excruciating pain," according to National Geographic. The caterpillars' fur hides toxic spines that stick to your skin.

"The sting produces an immediate intense burning pain followed the appearance of a red grid-like pattern on the skin that matches the pattern of the venomous spines on the caterpillar," according to the University of Florida's entomology and nematology department. Making contact with the caterpillar could cause a rash, vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, swollen glands and shock, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

Dr. Dale Porcher with the Shores Animal Clinic told the station: "With a wasp or bee usually the pain in an hour has gone away. Yet with these, the pain can endure for eight to 12 hours."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/virginia-officials-warn-about-hairy-venomous-caterpillars-socialdistance-away-from-this-caterpillar/

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Poisonous puss caterpillars (Original Post) left-of-center2012 Oct 2020 OP
these things do sting like hell rampartc Oct 2020 #1
Pussy caterpillar,.. let's see trDumpie grab that,... magicarpet Oct 2020 #2
... left-of-center2012 Oct 2020 #3
Poy-fect..... magicarpet Oct 2020 #4
The ones in Florida are white. Phoenix61 Oct 2020 #5

rampartc

(5,835 posts)
1. these things do sting like hell
Sat Oct 10, 2020, 09:34 AM
Oct 2020

found on oak, elm, roses, holly.

use duct tape to pull out the fuzzy stingers helps.

it metamorphizes into a southern flannel moth.

magicarpet

(16,259 posts)
2. Pussy caterpillar,.. let's see trDumpie grab that,...
Sat Oct 10, 2020, 09:37 AM
Oct 2020

... could also double as his backup hair piece,... just the right shade and color.



Phoenix61

(17,546 posts)
5. The ones in Florida are white.
Sat Oct 10, 2020, 10:14 AM
Oct 2020

They fall out of trees and if they land on you you’re in for a couple of rough days. The toxin causes the closest lymph nodes to swell. I’ve known them to put grown men down for days.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Virginia»Poisonous puss caterpilla...