This time of year, this is the stage we will mostly see, resulting in the more dangerous time to come in contact with these species.While most caterpillars are harmless, even though some may look menacing (such as the hickory horned devil), there are a few that can cause mild to moderate stings.
During fall, they may be found on food plants or wandering around looking for a place to pupate and are more readily seen.As with any sting, results and symptoms depend on the individual, but some may experience allergic reactions as with bee and wasp stings, and medical attention is required.Some caterpillars have stinging hairs/spines are hollow and filled with venom from a gland at the base of the hairs. In 2011, 23 children in Florida developed rashes from exposure to white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) caterpillars.
The older the caterpillar, the more potent its sting will be, with the most powerful right before it pupates. In fact, adults are referred to as cabbage white butterflies. These caterpillars are only 45mm long and fatten up on cabbages, lettuces and nasturtiums within four weeks – consequently they are considered a pest by farmers and gardeners. All Rights Reserved Be Careful with Fuzzy and Hairy Caterpillars. The sting of this caterpillar is been described as like a bee sting, with localized swelling and redness.HELP US FEED OUR ANIMAL RESIDENTSWith the seasons changing and summer coming to an end we will start to notice many of our caterpillars moving around. 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC 28209Please be aware of children playing around flowering shrubs, fruit trees, etc. While a child or adult may not be allergic to bees and wasps, they may have an allergic reaction to caterpillar stings. The presence of tent worms is usually indicated by the appearance of silky bags attached to … The caterpillar stage for this particular species lasts about four to six weeks–which means that by September it is going to try to find an area around a tree to spin it’s cocoon for the winter.I might have to try and spot some of the tent caterpillars and see if I can get a picture for comparison.Since we live next to a creek, and probably less than a block from some undeveloped areas we usually get caterpillars coming through the yard on a daily basis. and note that stings are not always the result of a bee, yellow jacket, or hornet and could be a caterpillar. It turns out that this probably a fall webworm caterpillar. Talk to your children and make sure they know that just because a caterpillar may look cute, furry, or fuzzy, they should not be picked up or touched.This caterpillar is about an inch long with venomous spines on each end and along the bottom of its body. This is due to the poisonous mustard gas its body accumulates. It has a green “blanket” covering its body, with a purplish black “bull’s eye” in the center.