So glad I didn't pick it up!
Venomous caterpillar packs a punch
File photo - hickory tussock moth caterpillar (Maine Forest Service).
This caterpillar packs quite a punch.
Known as a white hickory tussock moth caterpillar, the tiny creature looks nice and cuddly. But Canadian caterpillar, which has been spotted in Western Pennsylvania, can cause a nasty rash. Its fuzzy black spines contain venom that it uses to ward off predators, but it can also irritate human skin.
If you do get the rash, it can be treated with lotion and ice. But experts say best to stay away from this caterpillar.
Related: There’s a new species taking over at Chernobyl
"It's a nuisance, and with the right conditions it can be dangerous, including not quite life-threatening, but it could jeopardize your vision," John Rawlins, curator of invertebrate zoology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, told Pittsburgh’s WTAE.
Rawlins said the caterpillar secretes a chemical as a defense mechanism when it is handled, and unsuspecting people sometimes put their hands near their eyes and mouth or other parts of their body, causing a bad reaction.
"Those tissues are soft and very easy to penetrate," Rawlins said, adding that the caterpillars will be going into their cocoons in several weeks.
Known as a white hickory tussock moth caterpillar, the tiny creature looks nice and cuddly. But Canadian caterpillar, which has been spotted in Western Pennsylvania, can cause a nasty rash. Its fuzzy black spines contain venom that it uses to ward off predators, but it can also irritate human skin.
If you do get the rash, it can be treated with lotion and ice. But experts say best to stay away from this caterpillar.
Related: There’s a new species taking over at Chernobyl
"It's a nuisance, and with the right conditions it can be dangerous, including not quite life-threatening, but it could jeopardize your vision," John Rawlins, curator of invertebrate zoology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, told Pittsburgh’s WTAE.
Rawlins said the caterpillar secretes a chemical as a defense mechanism when it is handled, and unsuspecting people sometimes put their hands near their eyes and mouth or other parts of their body, causing a bad reaction.
"Those tissues are soft and very easy to penetrate," Rawlins said, adding that the caterpillars will be going into their cocoons in several weeks.
We have some pretty nasty caterpillers here as well - not this same one. The ones we have are gray/brown striped things that are very numerous! Last year I picked up a piece of cardboard to carry to the truck, and had it up against my belly - the underside was covered with those things. I noticed that it felt like I had gone on fire, pulled up my shirt and there were all these caterpillar shaped red swellings! It hurt for a few hours, but with some nasty anti-histamine mixed with cortisone it went down pretty well. I am very careful these days!!! I think they are called buck-moth. Not as bad as the one you show, however!
ReplyDeleteBeware of soft cuddly caterpillars, except those pretty black and brown ones ;->
Fair Winds,
Cap'n Jan
Wow! Glad you didn't wind up in the emergency room! From now on I think I'll just take a picture of any that I find! :o)
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