Stinging Caterpillars: Cute, Fuzzy...but Itchy

‘Tis the season where little ones discover a world full of creepy, crawly things in the backyard and the playground. Centipedes, inchworms, and caterpillars make great finds for anyone’s bug catcher, but know that there are several creatures to beware of.

Several types of caterpillars can cause a very ugly reaction because of their stinging hairs. The good news is that only a few of the thousands of variety of caterpillars sting. However, if you come across a stinger, be careful of its hairs, which once embedded in skin, release toxins that cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including a poison ivy-like rash, a severe burning sensation, and swelling. Hypersensitive reactions can include severe swelling, difficulty breathing, and a generalized system reaction.

If you spot any of the following critters, admire from afar; do not pick them up. If you find one of these on your clothing, remove immediately using some kind of barrier such as thick gloves and a towel you can discard.

1. The Saddleback caterpillar is brown in the front and rear, and has a very noticeable green “saddle” on its back, with a purplish-brown spot in the middle. There are prominent horns on the front and rear. Saddlebacks tend to feed on the underside of leaves, and are typically found on oak, cherry, plum, chestnut, and basswood trees. They are sometimes found on corn as well.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Heidi A.

8:44PM PDT on Mar 27, 2012

Butterflies (what caterpillars turn into) are a sentinal species. They are extremely sensitive to environmental changes and tip off scientists early on that something is up with the environment.

send a green star

KS G.

1:33AM PST on Jan 1, 2012

Thanks for the article.

Nancy P.

3:20AM PDT on Aug 31, 2011

Interesting....

Melinda offline K.

2:54AM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

Totally in love with these fuzzy colourful guys, they give Lady Gaga a run for her money!

Regina P.

11:42AM PDT on Aug 20, 2011

They are amazing, but have always kind of scared me, why I dont know. Thanks

Armand B.

9:16AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

Thanks...the only one I've seen is the Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar, and I will certainly not touch it.

2:44PM PDT on Jul 23, 2011

I see one of these rarely. I usually see the tree destroying silk worm variety. I set their nests on fire, and stomp on the ones on the ground. They can kill a lot of plants very rapidly.

Justine S.

8:52PM PDT on Jul 20, 2011

They really are amazing to look at. Interesting article.

Vera Y.

2:24AM PDT on Jul 20, 2011

Beautiful criature, though I've always scared of cuterpillars, I wasn't wrong it seems

Brigid C.

1:12PM PDT on Jul 19, 2011

I found out cater;illars can sting! I was siiting on my stoup when I lived in FLorida, leaned back close to a potted plant, and felt like fire! Turned around and it was a caterpillar. I had no reaction from the sting! But it sure startled me