Puss Caterpillar/Southern Flannel Moth Megalopyge opercularis. Gardening; Biology Basics. People apparently vary somewhat in their sensitivity to Orgyia species hairs. The Asp: A Caterpillar That's Dangerous for Pets. The southern flannel caterpillar (or puss caterpillar) is a type of hairy caterpillar that causes a nasty sting if you handle it. Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. The identifiable feature of the tiger swallowtail is its strange eye-like markings on either side of its head. Mature bagworms can grow up to 1 (2.5 cm) long. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. New York, New York. After mating, the females lay a mass of eggs directly on the cocoon and cover them with a protective covering. The Moths of America North of Mexico Including Greenland. Saddleback Caterpillar, University of Florida; Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Penn State Extension; Io Moth, University of Florida . The Zebra Longwing ( Heliconius charithonia) butterfly is easy to recognize by the zebra-like pattern on its wings. Krombein KV, Hurd PD, Jr., Smith DR, Burks BD. Spines cause sudden stinging redness and swelling in the affected area. In addition, there are four tufts of white or yellow hairs on its back and two red dots at its rear end. Each spring there are reports about tussock moth caterpillars being abundant in northcentral Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Poisonous glands attached to stinging spines can cause skin irritation if you handle this fuzzy caterpillar. Ferguson DC. The black circles surrounded by a yellow ring and white pattern create false eyespots with a reflection. Welts resulting from contact with Orgyia hairs usually appear within minutes and subside by the next day, but itching and erythema commonly continue for another day or two. This horned caterpillar species has a pointed black projection at its tail end resembling a horn. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars grow 2.7 (7 cm) long. Youll notice that the stripy caterpillar has six large fleshy tentaclestwo pairs near its head and two shorter horns at its tail end. 410 pp. 2003. 10 Poisonous Butterflies - AZ Animals When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Florida's puss caterpillar is one of the most venomous in US | wtsp.com For circulation or delivery issues, email Home_delivery . Unlike other caterpillars in this list, Diprion pini is not from the moth or butterfly order Lepidoptera. 2005. However, beneath its hairy surface are poisonous barbs that pack a powerful sting, which can result in days and even weeks of pain. Identify a tobacco hornworm by its fat green body with whitish diagonal stripes and tiny eye-like markings on its sides. The beautiful Io moth, Automeris io (Fabricius), is one of our most recognizable moths. 1922. The spiny oak slug caterpillar is a colorful larva with jagged spikes around its body and four pairs of upward-pointing spiked orange horns. The literature frequently describes the females as being wingless. Young caterpillars feed exclusively on new growth but mature larvae feed on older foliage as well. Lepidoptera of Florida. The stinging spines are hollow, easily break off, and can embed deeply into skin. To identify the forester moth caterpillar, look for a bright yellow caterpillar with black markings along its back and sides. Volume 17 of Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas. The saddleback caterpillar is a slug-like caterpillar with large spiked poisonous horns that can give a nasty sting. These Are the 50 Most Dangerous Bugs in America - Best Life Though the adult moths do not sting, if they are seen in an area, it is safe and best to assume that the more dangerous larvae are nearby or will soon be born. Pictures of four poisonous caterpillars in Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea). Prickly poisonous caterpillars turn up in new places 01:55. . Because adult females are flightless, ballooning by young larvae is the major mode of dispersal. For example, the long, plump caterpillar is light green when feeding on green foliage. Also, they are commonly spun in dense masses among the foliage of epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.). Giant Leopard Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia). The puss caterpillar - one of the most venomous of its kind in the USA - has appeared in Florida, Texas and South Carolina. Another defensive mechanism is its defensive organ osmeteriuma forked tongue-like structure that appears behind its head when threatened. Red admiral caterpillars grow 1 (2.5 cm) long. University of Florida. Puss caterpillar looks innocent, but its venomous barbs have brutal Atrubin D, Granger K. April 28, 2006. Male whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma). Figure 11. It is also named puss moth caterpillar. Hairs in the cocoons retain their urticating capability for up to a year or longer. 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). Additionally, you often find it feeding on hickory leaves in Florida. The 14 poisonous caterpillars that we are going to discuss are: Puss Caterpillar Saddleback Caterpillar Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar Io Moth Caterpillar Bag Shelter Caterpillar Monarch Caterpillars Hag Moth Caterpillar Hickory Tussock Caterpillar Pine Processionary Caterpillar Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Stinging Rose Caterpillar Lonomia Obliqua 7 Poisonous Caterpillars in Florida (Venomous) - The Critter Hideout Most of the urticating hairs are in the dorsal tussocks of the caterpillars (Knight 1922), but a few are also found on the lateral verrucae and intermingled with the black plume hairs of the hair pencils (Gilmer 1925). The University of Florida recommends euthanizing them by rubbing or spraying 20% benzocaine toothache gel or sunburn spray (not 5% lidocaine) on the . At rest, they hold their first pair of legs in an outstretched position. Diaz JH. Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass. 15 pp. Sphinx Moths, the Stars of the Evening | Birds & Blooms 1925. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The puss caterpillar is one of the "most venomous caterpillars in the U.S.," and it's making its seasonal return to at least one unlucky Southern state. They're normally about an inch long and are often found near oak and . Southern flannel caterpillars grow up to 1 (2.5 cm) long. Poisonous Puss Caterpillars Reemerge in Florida as Experts Warn Against In some years the larvae are very numerous and become a problem when they leave their host plants to search for suitable sites to spin their cocoons. Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar (Euclea delphinii). Some types of caterpillars are easy to identify because of where they feed. Henn T, Weinzierl R, Koehler PG. You can find the furry puss caterpillars in most southern states, including Florida. The larval stage of the buck moth is covered in branched spines that deliver a powerful sting upon contact with a perceived enemy. It is also called the hairy caterpillar. It is common in Florida during the fall and spring on oak and elm trees and was recently sighted in Clermont, Florida, according to FOX 35 News. The evolving global epidemiology, syndromic classification, management, and prevention of caterpillar envenoming. Therefore, its always best never to handle a buck moth caterpillar to avoid its painful sting. Fully grown caterpillars are about 2 cm long. 2011. Be prepared to tell them which plant and which part of the plant was eaten, how much was consumed and whether there are any immediate symptoms. Cabbage looper caterpillars have a voracious appetite and can devour three times their body weight in a day. Look out for these hairy caterpillars in Florida. Here's why - WKMG Other symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal distress,. Orgyia detrita is univoltine (one generation per year) while the other two species are bivoltine in Florida (Foltz 2006). Adult moths tend to leave behind feces, eggs, and cocoons that remain after the caterpillar hatches. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. As a result, some immature caterpillars may look completely different from mature caterpillars before entering the pupal stage. Pain should begin to decline after a couple hours and swelling declines after about 8 hours. Names from Arnaud (1978) have been updated by OHara and Wood (2004) and OHara (2012). Puss caterpillars are 2.5 cm long and covered with gray to brown hairs that conceal its head and mouthparts. As the plump caterpillars devour plant leaves, they go through various stages called instars. Finally, when its ready to pupate, the larvae can either be dark brown or dark green. Introduction and Catalog. 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. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) exhibiting pose typical of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Baculovirus) infection. ECLECTIC ELEMENTS (PWTH004.TAUPE Butterflight). Stings from this caterpillar are milder than the stings of other stinging caterpillars. A Florida woman posted on Facebook that she was hospitalized after. These caterpillars can be perceived as dangerous and poisonous given their color. There are also stinging hairs on its four sets of prolegs. Older larvae are leaf-edge feeders. The tomato hornworm is around 4 (10 cm) in length from its large head to its horned tail. Allergic reactions are possible but not common. They eat things that make them poisonous to their predators (such as birds, who can tolerate more poison than other animals). 2 Red Widow Spiders Premaphotos / Alamy Stock Photo Adults: Adults are dimorphic. The yellow body is marked with wide black stripe down the back bordered with red at each end. As the imperial moth caterpillar goes through its instars, it gradually becomes darker and hairier. 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. The buck moth caterpillar also has a rounded shiny black head. Cabbage looper caterpillars are identifiable by their thin lime-green or yellowish-green body and arching action when moving. This black and gray caterpillar feeds on passionflower foliage that helps it develop toxic compounds. Buck moths are members of the family Saturniidae, which includes other dangerous insects like the lonomia obliqua. Monkey Slug Caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium). The banded woolly bear caterpillar is a black and brown hairy caterpillar that is common in Florida. Io moth caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants including hibiscus, elms, maples, wisteria, roses, azaleas, and willows. The dorsal glandular structures on segments six and seven of leucostigma are bright red, those of detrita are orange, and those of definita are pale yellow. Early cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) before many setae are incorporated. You will also notice that the yellow forester moth larvae have spiny tufts on their back and sides. Symptoms vary in severity to include burning or stinging, itching, redness, and inflammation. north of Mexico (OHara 2012). Although it looks like a stinging caterpillar, the banded woolly bear doesnt sting and isnt poisonous. Luna moth caterpillars have a characteristic habit of raising the front part of their body. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Two long black tufts of pencil-like hairs protrude from the front. There is a white or yellow line on each side of the dark mid-dorsal line of leucostigma (Ferguson 1978, Godfrey 1987). However, they may occasionally be sufficiently numerous to completely defoliate large trees. 2009. Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast - University of Florida Despite their soft appearance, the insect's hairs pack a painful punch. Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina). Possible Symptoms Recommended Treatment Protocol Flannel Moth Caterpillar Description Possible Symptoms Recommended Treatment Protocol Additionally spines contain a toxin that can cause rashes of round, red, swelling welts that itch, and even tissue damage. Also, caterpillars in Florida can be green, yellow, black, or multi-colored. The caterpillars also have the trait of raising their front end when feeding. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (light form). Some types of caterpillars are easy to identify because of where they feed. 2003. 134 pp. Cabbage Looper Caterpillar (Trichoplusia ni). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 12(1): 140. This article is an identification guide to Floridas exotic, scary, stinging, horned, furry, and smooth-bodied caterpillars. Zebra Longwing Caterpillar (Heliconius charithonia). Hairy forest tent caterpillars mature at 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. These large green or orange-brown caterpillars grow 3 to 5.5 (7.5 10 cm) long. Home owners develop dermatitis from contact with the cocoons while removing them from the soffits of houses. Red Admiral Caterpillar (Vanessa atalanta). Stinging Tussock Moth Caterpillars - Hernando Sun The caterpillars have an insatiable appetite and can quickly defoliate tomato plants. It is the most poisonous one in Florida. Foltz (personal communication) counted egg masses on cocoons and found that there were far less than the 50 percent that would be expected based on a 50:50 ratio of females to males obtained by laboratory rearings. The protruding spikes on the zebra longwing caterpillar make it easy to identify. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Investigative studies of skin irritations from caterpillars. Megalopyge opercularis is a moth of the family Megalopygidae. To tell the two species apart, look at the markings on its side. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 72(3): 347-357. Body main color | Body main pattern | Distinct features | Hair density: Check boxes for all that apply. Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms. Beneath those soft hairs are stiff spines attached to poison glands. Saddleback caterpillars get their name from their saddle-like markinga square green patch with a large brown circle in the middle. An identifiable trait of this jaggy-looking caterpillar is its two long black horns on its head. 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. It is distinctive because of its prominent hind wing eyespots. The milkweed tiger caterpillar is covered in tufts of colorful black, orange, yellow, and white hairs. Echo moth caterpillars and oleander pruning | Real Estate The caterpillar is also mildly toxic to birds and other predators. (Inset: photomicrograph of antrose [distally projecting] barbs on urticating setae of the tussocks). *This species is not currently recorded from N.A. Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detrita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Here are some mildly poisonous caterpillars that are best to be stayed away from.. American Dagger Moth Acronicta americana. Insects and Spiders - Florida's Poison Control Centers The unusual caterpillar has a light green and brown body with white blotches. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). Virginia residents warned to stay away from hairy, venomous caterpillars There are two puss caterpillar generations a year in Florida; one in spring and another in fall. Arnaud (1978, pp. Cecropia moth caterpillar grows around 4.5 (10 cm) long. Spines have a toxin gland at the base that is released when spines break off into the skin. I have quite a few caterpillars on my coontie plants. These hairs can be as long as 1 inch. 2009. In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. Palm Beach County News . The caterpillar grows up to 2 (5 cm) long. This gorgeous moth is an invasive plant's worst nightmare The luna moth caterpillar is a light green crawling insect with a plump body, red dots, and tufts of small spines. The cloudless sulphur caterpillar grows 1.6 to 1.8 (4 4.5 cm) in length. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (ventral view). These Florida caterpillars, at the last stages of growth, have a slug-like tiny body covered with many orange or bright yellow . This caterpillar is one of the largest moth larvae, and it turns into one of the biggest moths in the USthe regal moth. From its back this caterpillar has a tail that extends beyond its body. Pictures of polyphemus moth caterpillars show they have spines emerging from the tiny red tubercles. Figure 1. Depending on the species, caterpillars can have striped, dotted, or mottled patterns. There is a humane way to get rid of cane toads. Definita is also lighter in body color than the other two species (Foltz 2004). The white admiral caterpillar is a Florida caterpillar that looks like bird poop. Larvae: Larvae are 1-1.5 inches in length. If you're unfortunate enough to have a run in with a puss caterpillar, Florida Poison Information Center recommends putting Scotch tape over the affected area and "striping it off repeatedly to remove spines." cocoons under eaves of building. Figure 20. By the second instar, the larvae are already recognizable because of their short hair pencils. Gainesville, Florida. 17+ Species of Poisonous Caterpillars Found Around the World Megalopyge opercularis - Wikipedia Figure 16. 2005. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Urticating hairs are barbed hairs that easily break off the caterpillars body when the caterpillar is brushed against and can embed in a person or animals skin. The puss or asp caterpillar of the southern flannel moth is recognized as one of the most venomous species found in the U.S. and its sting . Caterpillars reach maturity and wander in search of sites to spin their cocoons in early April in Florida. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. The long-tailed skipper caterpillar is a large green slug-like caterpillar with rings of yellow dots around its segments and lateral greenish-yellow green lines running the length of its back. Figure 26. In 2017, a Florida woman's 5-year-old son accidentally stepped on one as he played outside. Redrawn from Gilmer (1925) by Jane C. Medley, University of Florida. Host plants include oak and willow species. Pruritic welts and erythema resulting from rubbing hairs from the dorsal tussocks of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) onto the authors forearm. Stinging Caterpillars - Poison Center Tampa The forester moth caterpillar is a bright yellow or yellowish-green caterpillar with two rows of black dots on its back. There is little doubt that Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita also have many parasitoids. The gulf fritillary caterpillar is an orange caterpillar with spiny spikes around each segment. They might look cute and fuzzy, but don't let their innocuous appearance fool you. Additionally, there are small clumps of green or orange spines along its back and body. Gilmer (1925) conducted histological studies of the urticating setae of Orgyia leucostigma and found that each seta has a venom gland at its base. The recognizable feature of an azalea caterpillar is its round orange head and tail section. A Host-Parasite Catalog of North American Tachinidae (Diptera), Caterpillar-associated rashes in children. Figure 19. At first I thought they looked like Atala caterpillars, but as we both know, we are too far north and on the wrong coast. Health officials said the Orgyia leucostigma is also known as the white-marked tussock moth. Castor. Its bright green and yellow colors and black stripes act to ward off predators. There is conflicting information on whether this caterpillar stings. Are caterpillars in Florida poisonous? - Creature Facts SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health issued an alert for hairy caterpillars. White Admiral Caterpillar (Limenitis arthemis). 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. Because they will eat almost anything, including herbs, tree leaves, and grasses, they can be found pretty much anywhere plants are growing.