TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – These fluffy insects may look soft and cute, but as one of the most toxic caterpillars in the country, they pack a serious punch.
Ultimately growing into muss in the south flannel, Puss Caterpillar is north to New Jersey and Texas, and is commonly found in Florida in the spring and fall.
They look harmless, as if they’re only 1 inch long and covered with soft hair, but hidden beneath the obscure appearance is the sharp spine that sticks to your skin and conveys a very painful stab wound.
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These caterpillars are light brown and grey in colour and are well mixed with their favorite habitats, citrus, oak and elm trees. Be sure to peel your eyes off when you’re in the neighborhood. Even simple brushes can be stuck with venom whip and burning, swollen skin.
The site of the sting can develop into rashes and blisters that remain for days or even rarer or even weeks.
If you are unhappy enough to get in close contact with any of these small fears, you can usually remove the barb by gently placing the cellophane tape on the area and peeling it off a few times until all of them are removed.
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When stabbed, some people may experience nausea, fever, headaches, or pain that can radiate from within the body from the wound site. Tampa’s poison center recommends anyone with a history of asthma, hay, or other allergies should see a doctor immediately.
For most people, stab wounds from Puss Caterpillar can be treated like stab wounds from other insects. Treating wounds with ice or hydrocortisone creams can help relieve pain, not just oral antihistamines, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
