Puss caterpillar looks innocent, but its venomous barbs have brutal sting : NPR

The puss caterpillar has venomous barbs alongside its furry physique. A sting from the insect causes excessive ache and can lead to blisters that may final for weeks.

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

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North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

The puss caterpillar has venomous barbs alongside its furry physique. A sting from the insect causes excessive ache and can lead to blisters that may final for weeks.

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

The puss caterpillar bears a hanging resemblance to Cousin Itt from the Addams Household, a fuzzy little bug that one can not help however need to contact. Nonetheless, beneath its furry floor are toxic barbs that pack a strong sting, which may end up in days and even weeks of ache.

Probably the most venomous caterpillars within the U.S., the puss will be discovered feasting on foliage in states between New Jersey and Florida and as far west as Texas. Most encounters usually happen when the caterpillar unintentionally falls out of a tree or when persons are eradicating leaves from round their house.

A puss caterpillar stung the supervisor of Virginia Tech’s Insect ID Lab, Eric Day, when he unintentionally brushed up in opposition to a tree whereas mowing his garden in rural Virginia. He mentioned it resulted in a burning sensation and a blister about an inch lengthy on the sting website.

“The burning sensation went away in a day or so, however that blister after which subsequent form of irritated space was seen for a number of weeks,” he recalled.

The caterpillar can develop to a bit of over 1 inch lengthy and is roofed in grey and orange hairs, which have venom glands on the base, in accordance with the College of Florida’s Institute of Meals and Agricultural Sciences. It is generally present in Florida however is most ample in Dallas and southern components of Texas.

The extent of ache brought on by the caterpillar’s sting varies from individual to individual, however entomologist Molly Keck of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service mentioned the venom will be harmful to people who are suffering from excessive reactions to insect bites.

“Some may have localized discomfort that lasts for only a quick time frame. Others might have one thing as extreme as anaphylaxis or needing to hunt medical consideration,” Keck advised NPR.

She mentioned the caterpillars will be discovered most frequently within the fall and spring, when persons are spending time open air.

For those who occur to get stung by the caterpillar, the Nationwide Capital Poison Middle recommends utilizing tape to take away the hairs after which gently washing the realm with cleaning soap and water. If the sting website begins to itch, use hydrocortisone cream or a baking soda and water paste for reduction.

If the ache worsens, search out medical consideration, Keck mentioned. The sting has been recognized to trigger anaphylaxis in uncommon situations, which will be life threatening.