Are there puss caterpillars in Florida?
Are there puss caterpillars in Florida?
While you may not be familiar with the native southern flannel moth, you might have heard of its larvae: the puss caterpillar. The species is found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas. It is common in Florida during the fall and spring on oak and elm trees.
Where are puss caterpillars in Florida?
Puss Caterpillar Most often found on oaks and citrus. In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. Some people experience severe reactions to the poison released by the spines and require medical attention. Others experience only an itching or burning sensation.
What does a puss caterpillar turn into?
southern flannel moths
The caterpillars can fall from trees and lodge in people’s clothes. The insect’s fuzzy veneer hides venomous spines. As the caterpillars grow in size, before they change into equally fuzzy southern flannel moths, their venom becomes more toxic.
Is the puss caterpillar poisonous?
A fluffy caterpillar is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States. The puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) has hidden toxic spines underneath its fur.
Which Florida caterpillars are poisonous?
The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. Some less common ones also occur in the state. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands.
What to do if a puss caterpillar stings you?
Treatment of Puss Moth Caterpillar Stings
- Washing the sting with soap and water and using a hair dryer set on low to dry the area.
- Putting tape on the site and pulling it off to remove embedded hairs to prevent further injury.
- Applying isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to the sting.
- Applying a baking soda slurry.
Why is it called a puss caterpillar?
Puss caterpillars, Megalopyge opercularis, are also called asp caterpillars because of their potent stings. They are called puss caterpillars because their thick, fluffy setae resemble the fur of a pussycat. Adults are called flannel moths because of their fluffy, wavy, flannel-like scales.
Are Florida fuzzy caterpillars poisonous?
It’s called Orgyia leucostigma– or more commonly the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar. The insect may look cute and fuzzy, but it’s actually dangerous. Health experts say direct contact with the caterpillar or its cacoon can cause an allergic reaction that can involve an itchy rash.
Are Florida caterpillars poisonous?
The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. …
What caterpillars are poisonous in Florida?
Dangerous caterpillars packing poisonous doses of venom are invading Florida as the weather warms, the Sun Sentinel reports. Four poisonous species of caterpillars have been found in South Florida: the saddleback, puss, io and the hag.
Where do puss caterpillars live?
Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), of the order Lepidoptera , are also known as asps. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Puss moth caterpillars are endemic to the southern US and live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes and schools and in parks.
How big are puss caterpillars?
Measuring 34 to 36 mm in length, puss caterpillars are extremely venomous creatures that vary in colour from grayish-white, to orangey-brown, to charcoal. When they reach adult stage, they turn into yellow or orange moths with black, furry feet. Megalopyge opercularis in adult form.
Do caterpillars bite or sting?
Technically, a caterpillar does not sting as it does not have a stinger. It actually delivers venom through the hairs and spines on its body. Resist the urge to itch the affected area as this will further irritate the reaction. If you can not keep from itching, then ask your doctor about solutions via a prescription.
