Fuzzy Caterpillar – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Satyashutter
After all, Florida wouldn’t exist without another spooky crawler to be concerned about, would it?
According to wildlife officials, puss caterpillars, one of the most poisonous insects in the United States, are on the rise.
Florida puss caterpillars
According to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the puss caterpillar’s name comes from the fact that it resembles the velvety fur of a cat. Although the fuzzy coating appears innocuous, it contains extremely poisonous spines that can adhere to your flesh when touched.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida reported that the species is robust, about an inch long, and coated in gray or pale brown hairs. They’re anything but safe to handle, despite their fluffy, soft appearance.
The consequences of being stung by a puss caterpillar
When someone gets stung, they may experience severe pain that spreads throughout their body. According to UF scientists, the sting can result in a burning sensation followed by a red, grid-like pattern on the skin that resembles the caterpillar’s spines. Each hollow spine has a tiny venom gland at the base.
In addition, some people may get fever, nausea, headaches, or in extreme situations, seizures.
To remove the spines from the skin after being stung, cover the injured region with transparent tape and repeatedly pull off, according to the Florida Poison Control Center. To lessen the stinging sensation, use ice first, then a paste made of baking soda and water. To help with inflammation, officials also advise applying a hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine.
If symptoms develop, medical help is recommended, especially for those who have allergies or asthma.
The habitats of puss caterpillars and their transformations
The species is widespread from New Jersey to Florida and as far west as Texas, according to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
It is most frequently observed on oak and elm trees in Florida in the fall and spring.
A few, according to Fish & Wildlife, even stray from trees to spin their cocoons on neighboring structures. Puss caterpillar cocoons are found on tiny twigs, branches, or indentations in tree bark.
The larvae hatch into southern flannel moths, which are tiny, yellow-and-orange moths with stiff, fur-like bristles on their bodies, after spending roughly 16 days inside. With wingspans of up to 1.5 inches, females are marginally larger than males.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
