Floridians recall being stung by puss caterpillars In 2018, a Florida teen described the sting as feeling like his wrist was "on fire." "It's burning," 15-year-old Logan Pergola told his mom, as a . The University of Florida recommends euthanizing them by rubbing or spraying 20% benzocaine toothache gel or sunburn spray (not 5% lidocaine) on the . Giant Leopard Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia). You can find the furry puss caterpillars in most southern states, including Florida. Although its hairy body looks soft, poisonous spines lurk underneath and can break off in your skin, causing severe pain. Enantiomers of (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-ol: Sex pheromone components of. They have dense yellow setae (short hairs covering the body) that are mildly poisonous. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Older larvae are leaf-edge feeders. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the Puss Caterpillar, Saddleback Caterpillar, IO Moth Caterpillar and Hag Caterpillar. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). After hatching, the young larvae feed on the remaining egg mass and then spin a silk thread that they use to balloon for dispersal (Thurston 2002). Adult moths tend to leave behind feces, eggs, and cocoons that remain after the caterpillar hatches. There are butterflies who also take nectar or, in rare cases, pollen from poisonous plants. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. They might look cute and fuzzy, but don't let their innocuous appearance fool you. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. ORLANDO, Fla. - The venomous puss caterpillars are popping up around Central Florida - and you'll want to keep your distance! The genus name Orgyia (Greek for the length of the outstretched arms [Borror 1960]), is based on this pose. Caterpillars of the mottled cup moth, commonly found in eastern Australia, have a complex venom made up of 151 separate toxins, according to new research published in the journal PNAS. Severity can vary for each individual. Figure 23. IFAS Extension. Intense throbbing pain develops within five minutes of contact with pain extending up the affected arm. Among Floridas exotic and strange-looking caterpillars are fuzzy, striped, and unusual-looking horned caterpillars. The tiger swallowtail is an unusual caterpillar due to its dark green body, smooth surface, and distinctive eyespots on its head. The venom has not been adequately characterized. One of the most venomous caterpillars in the U.S., the puss. (Inset: photomicrograph of antrose [distally projecting] barbs on urticating setae of the tussocks). They induce drowsiness, abdominal . The black circles surrounded by a yellow ring and white pattern create false eyespots with a reflection. The caterpillars also have the trait of raising their front end when feeding. Some exotic southern caterpillars have fleshy tentacle-like spikes that help with identification. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars grow 2.7 (7 cm) long. 2003, Gries et al. Figure 30. Some bites cause localized reactions that turn into major wounds. 1978. Moths are incapable of biting, especially when adults, making them even less of a harm to humans. Unfortunately, because of their green coloring, tomato hornworms can be difficult to spot under tomato leaves. 8 Black And Orange Caterpillars That Are Poisonous. The distinctive caterpillar can look like a dead hairy spider or old leaf. For example, the long, plump caterpillar is light green when feeding on green foliage. Introduction and Catalog. Figure 24. Part 1. The sub-dorsal areas (sides) can be a dark gray as in Figures 1 and 2, or they can be light gray to light yellow as in Figure 3. However, the females are grub-like with legs, but no wings, and they are light brown or yellow. The white admiral caterpillar is a Florida caterpillar that looks like bird poop. Lepidoptera of Florida. Gries R, Khaskin G, Khaskin E, Foltz JL, Schaefer PW, Gries G. 2003. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. 7 Poisonous Caterpillars in Florida (Venomous) by Critter Hideout Caterpillars are well known as the leaf-eating larva of various butterflies and moths. Each spring there are reports about tussock moth caterpillars being abundant in northcentral Florida. 1960, Knight 1922) and clinical dermatology (Hossler 2009 & 2010 ) literature. Hayashi Y, Bird HT. Arnaud (1978, pp. The caterpillars white-spotted black body is covered in jagged tufts of spines. Adult Indian meal moths are about 8-10 mm in length and have a wingspan of 16-20 mm. Queen Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus gilippus). They get to be about 2 cm long and also have clusters of spines that surround the edge of the body. The white-marked tussock caterpillar is one of the most unusually hairy caterpillars youll find in Florida. A Host-Parasite Catalog of North American Tachinidae (Diptera), Caterpillar-associated rashes in children. You will also notice two characteristic black long horns at the head end and two shorter horn-like tails. The dark form is more common, its black with tiny white dots while the light form is white with a reddish head. University of Florida. Most common in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (Ferguson 1978, Orgyia definita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Journal of Chemical Ecology 29(3): 589-601. You will also notice feathery spines along the caterpillars sides. For current control recommendations, contact your county extension agent. Last year, the Florida Poison Centers got 393 calls about people stung by. Spiny oak-slug caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oak, willow, and cherry species. Its spikes carry a high level of poison known to cause death. Like many types of caterpillars, the polyphemus moth caterpillars look slightly different in each instar. In Florida, feeding damage to large trees by Orgyia species does not usually harm the trees. Zebra Longwing. Fox News reports that the larvae of the Southern flannel moth, also commonly known as "asps," have been spotted in Florida, and experts are urging residents to stay far away from the furry white insects which like to hang out on oak and citrus trees. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. White Admiral Caterpillar (Limenitis arthemis). Orgyia detrita has bright orange spots along the back and sides while the spots on leucostigma are yellow (Foltz 2004). Therefore, its always best never to handle a buck moth caterpillar to avoid its painful sting. Puss caterpillars feed on a variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs, and are most often found on oaks and citrus. The gulf fritillary caterpillar is an orange caterpillar with spiny spikes around each segment. *This species is not currently recorded from N.A. Under the fuzzy yellow hairs is a shiny black oval head. Polka-Dot Wasp Moth Caterpillar. The pipevine swallowtail caterpillar is a dark-brown, almost black caterpillar with fleshy horns at its head, tail, and sides. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). The stinging spines of this caterpillar contain poison that can cause a stinging sensation if you touch them. These small insects are one of the country's most venomous . Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (light form). These projections have poisonous spines and the sting is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from eating them. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The milkweed tiger caterpillar is covered in tufts of colorful black, orange, yellow, and white hairs. Figure 6. This green Florida caterpillar has a pale-yellow stripe running along its sides. The caterpillar of the Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) feeds on firs, spruce, Douglas-firs, and other evergreens of the western United States and are a major cause of their defoliation. Youll notice that the stripy caterpillar has six large fleshy tentaclestwo pairs near its head and two shorter horns at its tail end. To identify the luna moth caterpillar, look for its brown head, lines of bright red dots running along its light green body, four pairs of large prolegs, and three pairs of brown forelegs. cocoons under eaves of building. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Identify the long-tailed skipper caterpillar by its black ball-like head, yellow markings on its body in the form of lines and dots, and orange prolegs. Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. Heppner (2003) listed plants belonging to 116 genera that have been reported as hosts. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. While most butterflies and moths are likely non-toxic to hungry humans, a few species -- like the familiar monarch butterfly (Family Nymphalidae) -- feed on poisonous or unpalatable plants as larvae. Gulf fritillary caterpillars mature at 0.5 (1.2 cm) in length. Their fluffy "fur" actually hides small, sharp, spines that stick in your skin. Because they will eat almost anything, including herbs, tree leaves, and grasses, they can be found pretty much anywhere plants are growing. 1922. The furry puss caterpillar, the larval stage of the southern flannel moth, is one of the most poisonous caterpillars in the US. White Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Norape ovina) The mature white flannel moth caterpillar can reach 1-1/4 inch in length. E.W. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. A pipevine swallowtail caterpillar larva is easy to identify due to its black appearance, brightly-colored orange dots, and fleshy tentacle-like horns. Possible Symptoms Recommended Treatment Protocol Flannel Moth Caterpillar Description Possible Symptoms Recommended Treatment Protocol The imperial moth caterpillar is a horned caterpillar with long spiky horns at its head and a jaggy tail-like protrusion at its rear end. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry health team, these . According to reports, the poisonous spines contain toxins that produce pain if they sting someone. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The banded woolly bear caterpillar is a black and brown hairy caterpillar that is common in Florida. Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina). Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) cocoon with egg mass covered with setae from females abdomen. The menacing stinging horns at either end of the caterpillar stand at 45. 2010. Orgyia detrita (the fir tussock moth) is the most common of the species in Florida followed by Orgyia leucostigma (the whitemarked tussock moth) and finally Orgyia definita (the definite tussock moth), which is rare in Florida (Foltz 2004). Furthermore, females stay in their protective cases. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. In addition, several varieties of stinging caterpillars in the Sunshine State can give you a nasty sting if you handle them. The unusual milkweed tiger caterpillar is identified by clumps of orange, white, and light brown hairs covering its body. 2009. Castor beans, rosary beans and rosary peas all cause similar symptoms, according to the Florida Poison Control Center. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. They are a common sight in backyards all over Florida, and can even provide benefits to your garden. The identifiable traits of the polyphemus moth caterpillar are a bright green, almost translucent body and rows of bright red or silver spiny dots around its segments. Figure 26. Males are small, relatively dull-colored moths with prominent bipectinate antennae. Large live oak tree defoliated by fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillars. 2004. Stings from this caterpillar are milder than the stings of other stinging caterpillars. Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. 110 pp. I have quite a few caterpillars on my coontie plants. The buck moth caterpillar also has a rounded shiny black head. Megalopyge opercularis is a moth of the family Megalopygidae. Poisonous spider bites can cause major illness or even death. Depending on the species, caterpillars can have striped, dotted, or mottled patterns. Two long black tufts of pencil-like hairs protrude from the front. These insidious creatures spend the winter in cocoons and emerge twice a yearin the spring and fall. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Luna moth caterpillars have a characteristic habit of raising the front part of their body. This can cause irritation similar to handling fiberglass. Detrita and definita females cover their eggs with a secretion and then rub setae from their bodies onto the secretion to form a protective layer over the eggs. The parasitoid cocoons are cloaked by the silk covering (spun by the wasp larvae) beneath the parasitized caterpillar (Inset: parasitoid cocoons from under silk covering - wasps have already emerged). Tobacco hornworms have a diagonal line, not the characteristic V-shape of the tomato hornworm. 1925. After emerging from the pupa, the once spiky black caterpillar becomes a stunning black and red butterfly. Observations on the poisonous nature of the white-marked tussock-moth (. (1979): Figure 29. Cabbage looper caterpillars grow up to 1.5 (4 cm). Males are difficult to distinguish, but fresh specimens of Orgyia leucostigma and Orgyia definita have a purplish tint that is lacking in Orgyia detrita. The green horned tobacco hornworm caterpillar is a plump larva with a light green body, eyespot markings, and white diagonal stripes along its sides. Spines cause sudden stinging redness and swelling in the affected area. . Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars grow 2 (5 cm) long. Preliminary studies of the nuclear-polyhedrosis viruses infecting the white-marked tussock moth, Tussock moth caterpillars in north central Florida, Catalog of Hymenoptera in America North of Mexico, A classification of the Lepidoptera based on characters of the pupae, Update of Tachinid Names in Arnaud (1978), entry at North American Moth Photographers Group. The characteristics of the red admiral caterpillar that helps identify it are a shiny black body covered in bands of spiny spikes. The monarch caterpillar is a type of striped, horned Florida caterpillar that has black, white, and yellow colors. Bagworms are unusual types of shiny black or dark brown caterpillars that are difficult to spot. Looking up close, you see that soft yellowish spines cover the prolegs and caterpillar abdomen. Parasitoids of Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita have not been well-studied, but those of Orgyia leucostigma are well documented. Apr 12, 2012 at 7:33 am. Monkey slug caterpillars have stinging hairs that can cause a painful sting if you handle it. Photograph by Jerry F. Butler, University of Florida. New York, New York. The stinging spiny oak slug caterpillar has two orange bands along its back and circular green and white patterns. Investigative studies of skin irritations from caterpillars. The larva of the common pine sawfly is a light green caterpillarwith a line of black dots along each side and a single black line along its back. 2011) have also been reported to attack the larvae up in the trees. As the imperial moth caterpillar goes through its instars, it gradually becomes darker and hairier. American dagger moth caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. Look for them in groups near the base of plants. Also, large numbers of larvae blown onto small landscape trees may result in severe defoliation. Eight-Spotted Forester Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata). After mating, the females lay a mass of eggs directly on the cocoon and cover them with a protective covering. In the year 2000, only 70 of 730 (9.6%) cocoons he examined had egg masses suggesting a high rate of mortality. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. The Io moth caterpillar is a green stinging caterpillar that you can find in Florida. 1968. The saddleback caterpillar is a slug-like caterpillar with large spiked poisonous horns that can give a nasty sting. Hossler EW. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 12(1): 140. Figure 1. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. These caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oaks, dogwood, and apple. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. Here are 15 species of poisonous caterpillars from around the world. Figure 20. Its instantly recognizable feature is the large eye markings on its head. The beautiful caterpillar has colorful bands wrapping around each segment. ecology, identification and distribution of Caterpillars -- identification guide -- Discover Life. Figure 17. In addition, the ovoid-shaped caterpillar has venomous spiny poison-filled tubercles that can sting. Definite tussock moth (Orgyia definita) caterpillar (abdomen). The cloudless sulphur caterpillar is a light green caterpillar with black raised dots producing small spines. What You Need to Know About the Southern Flannel Moththe Country's Most Poisonous Caterpillar, Dream Team: Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson Spotted Cruising Through Dollywood in a Golf Cart, Check Out the New Rollercoaster Headed to Dollywood in Spring 2023, Jennifer Garner Brings Aid to Eastern Kentucky During Tour Of Flood-Ravaged Communities, County Fair Queen Linda Skeens Revealed! These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. Milkweed tiger caterpillars grow 1.4 (3.5 cm) long. 17 Poisonous Caterpillars to Watch Out For. Giant leopard caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. Adults emerge from mid-April to early May. These caterpillars can be perceived as dangerous and poisonous given their color. Figure 16. The bella moth was eating the plant's poisonous seeds, which help it produce chemical defenses that make the moths and their eggs unpalatable to would-be predators. (Photo: Sturgis McKeever; Georgia Southern University; Bugwood.org). Four poisonous species of caterpillars have been found in South Florida: the saddleback, puss, io and the hag. You can also call Miami Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Buck moth caterpillars have a dark form and a light form; both forms have dark, lateral rows of multi-branched spines along their backs. Also, they are commonly spun in dense masses among the foliage of epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.). They're normally about an inch long and are often found near oak and . TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) It might look soft and hairy, but experts warn to look, not touch. Figure 5. The caterpillar grows 0.5 (1.2 cm) long. Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass.