Southern Flannel Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis). Males are small, relatively dull-colored moths with prominent bipectinate antennae. The parts of these caterpillars you want to be weary of are the yellow or green fleshy protrusions that are tipped in black and extend from the back of the caterpillar. In addition, there are four tufts of white or yellow hairs on its back and two red dots at its rear end. Atrubin D, Wansbrough L, Cruse K, Stanek D, Blackmore C. 2012. Medina RF, Barbosa P. 2002. Youll find these furry yellow caterpillars feeding on hickory, maples, birch, and oak leaves. Young larvae eat holes in leaves. The giant leopard caterpillar is a black spiny caterpillar that is common in the south-eastern United States. Some less common ones also occur in the state. The antennae of male pupae are longer and broader than those of females and the wings of male pupae are longer than those of female pupae. After contact a sudden stinging or burning sensation begins and the affected area may begin to itch and turn red. Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio glaucus). Moths are incapable of biting, especially when adults, making them even less of a harm to humans. Most types of moths are only poisonous if they're consumed.. Queen Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus gilippus). The banded woolly bear caterpillar is a black and brown hairy caterpillar that is common in Florida. American dagger Moth Caterpillar (Acronicta americana). Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). 17 Poisonous Caterpillars to Watch Out For. Apr 12, 2012 at 7:33 am. These insidious creatures spend the winter in cocoons and emerge twice a yearin the spring and fall. At present, females can be identified to species only by association with their respective larvae (or in the case of Florida Orgyia detrita by association with their egg masses). The yellow body is marked with wide black stripe down the back bordered with red at each end. Allergic reactions are possible but not common. Figure 16. Red admiral caterpillars grow 1 (2.5 cm) long. They are characterized by hair pencils of black setae that extend forward from the prespiracular verrucae of the prothorax, a dorsal hair pencil of black setae on the eighth abdominal segment, dorsal tussocks on the first four abdominal segments, and mid-dorsal glandular structures on abdominal segments six and seven. Buck moth caterpillars have a dark form and a light form; both forms have dark, lateral rows of multi-branched spines along their backs. Medina and Barbosa (2002) looked at predation of small and large Orgyia leucostigma larvae in a temperate forest and suggested that birds were the major predators of large larvae but most mortality of smaller larvae was probably due to failure to find a suitable host during ballooning dispersal and also possibly to predation by invertebrate predators in the leaf litter. The identifiable features of the cecropia caterpillar are its large, ridge-like segments, blue and orange tubercles with black spikes, and a lime green body. Floridians recall being stung by puss caterpillars In 2018, a Florida teen described the sting as feeling like his wrist was "on fire." "It's burning," 15-year-old Logan Pergola told his mom, as a . IFAS Extension. Adults: Adults are dimorphic. Gainesville, Florida. Mayfield Publishing Company. The red admiral is a spiky black caterpillar that has identifiable fleshy spines and white tiny dots. To identify a tomato hornworm, look for the characteristic pale yellowish V markings and eyespots along each of its sides. Caterpillars hatch from eggs and develop into worm-like crawling insects with four sets of prolegs, six forelegs, and a segmented body. The giant leopard caterpillar has a fuzzy appearance, and its spiked body can be painful if the spines jag your skin. Puss caterpillars are 2.5 cm long and covered with gray to brown hairs that conceal its head and mouthparts. Buck moths are members of the family Saturniidae, which includes other dangerous insects like the lonomia obliqua. Taming an invasive plant that's 8 feet tall and poisonous is no small feat, especially if you're a tiny moth. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). Just like the Red Lacewings caterpillars, the caterpillars of Zebra Longwing butterflies feed on passion vines which contain toxins. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (ventral view). It is found in great abundance particularly in Florida, United States where it thrives in tropical habitats. The green and black stripes and orange markings make the voracious larvae easy to spot on azaleas, rhododendrons, and apple trees. Mature puss caterpillars begin to spin their cocoons by making a thin framework of silk using their hair covering as support. The caterpillar grows up to 2 (5 cm) long. They are usually found in protected places - in furrows in bark, undersides of limbs, in tree cavities, under loose bark, and often under the soffits of buildings. Figure 6. As the imperial moth caterpillar goes through its instars, it gradually becomes darker and hairier. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 2009. These large stinging caterpillars grow up to 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Most calls to poison centers about insect and spider bites do not need emergency medical treatment and can be safely managed at home; exceptions include cases . The giant horned caterpillar has a bluish-green body, curved spiny red horns with black tips, orangey-red head, and black spines on its body. Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Types of Venomous Caterpillars (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Furry Caterpillar Types with An Identification Chart and Pictures, Black and Orange Caterpillars (With Pictures) Identification Guide, Types of Arizona Caterpillars (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Florida Caterpillars (Including Hairy and Fuzzy) with Pictures Identification Guide, types of caterpillars are easy to identify, large green larvae with black and yellow stripes, Types of Yellow Caterpillars (With Pictures), Types of Horned Caterpillars (With Pictures), Types of Striped Caterpillars (With Pictures). Depending on the species, caterpillars can have striped, dotted, or mottled patterns. it has a 2.8 to 3.9-inch wingspan and is the state butterfly of Florida. Mature female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa. Early cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) before many setae are incorporated. "If you do see one, leaving them alone is the best thing to do," he added. Spines cause sudden stinging redness and swelling in the affected area. EPI-NOTES Disease Surveillance Newsletter. White-Marked Tussock Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma). Eight-Spotted Forester Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata). Its body looks like a squashed hairy spider with leg-like protrusions of various sizes along its sides. As its name suggests, tomato hornworms gorge on tomato plant foliage. Spines easily break of an can embed deeply into skin. Moths are dangerous to pets and human beings since they contaminate human food and pet food. Caterpillars reach maturity and wander in search of sites to spin their cocoons in early April in Florida. They are now classified in the subfamily Lymantriinae in the family Erebidae (Beadle & Leckie 2012). Symptoms vary in severity to include burning or stinging, itching, redness, and inflammation. The spines have toxin glands at their base, the toxin is released when the spines make contact with skin. The buck moth caterpillar also has a rounded shiny black head. . Its instantly recognizable feature is the large eye markings on its head. Other traits of the pipevine swallowtail caterpillar are two rows of bright orange dots along its back. According to the University of Florida, the four major stinging caterpillars found in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar.. When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. A mature imperial moth caterpillar is identified by its spiky appearance with hairs and spines covering its body. The caterpillar of the Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) feeds on firs, spruce, Douglas-firs, and other evergreens of the western United States and are a major cause of their defoliation. They emerge from eggs bright yellow and gradually become green during each stage. Description [ edit] M. opercularis caterpillar on Kent Island, Maryland Tim Holtz.com. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars grow 2.7 (7 cm) long. Cecropia moth caterpillar grows around 4.5 (10 cm) long. Spines are hollow with a toxin gland at the base. ORLANDO, Fla. - The venomous puss caterpillars are popping up around Central Florida - and you'll want to keep your distance! Hossler EW. However, the females are grub-like with legs, but no wings, and they are light brown or yellow. Photograph by Jerry F. Butler, University of Florida. Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. Their stings are "considered among the most agonizing of afflictions," according to . To identify tent worms, look for blackish-brown worm-like caterpillars with blue, black, and yellow lines running lengthwise on their back with an irregular white pattern on each segment. The identifiable feature of the tiger swallowtail is its strange eye-like markings on either side of its head. The six horn-like structures are black with red coloring at the base. Wingspreads of Orgyia species are 2.0-3.5 cm (0.78-1.4 in). In Florida, youll find this small, slender black and orange caterpillar munching through Passiflora plant foliage. Much of the older literature places the tussock moths in the family Liparidae and more recently in the Lymantriidae. Figure 24. The stinging rose moth caterpillar is a colorful venomous caterpillar found along the east coast from New York to Florida. These larvae are about 2 inches long. Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar (Euclea delphinii). Figure 26. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) rubbing setae from her abdomen onto her egg mass. Orgyia leucostigma: Polyphagous. Because they will eat almost anything, including herbs, tree leaves, and grasses, they can be found pretty much anywhere plants are growing. Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms. Ferguson DC. It has numerous common names, including southern flannel moth for its adult form, and puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, Fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, [3] puss moth, tree asp, or asp caterpillar . In addition, the ovoid-shaped caterpillar has venomous spiny poison-filled tubercles that can sting. (Photo: Sturgis McKeever; Georgia Southern University; Bugwood.org). Spiny oak caterpillars are 0.8 (2 cm) long. Those infected with nuclear polyhedrosis virus typically die in a characteristic pose - hanging limp by their prolegs. Cabbage looper caterpillars are identifiable by their thin lime-green or yellowish-green body and arching action when moving. Medical attention may be necessary for more severe reactions. 632-633) listed the following tachinid parasitoids of Orgyia leucostigma: Bessa selecta (Meigen), Carcelia amplexa (Coquillet), Carcelia perplexa Sellers, Carcelia yalensis Sellers, Compsilura concinnata (Meigen), Drino inconspicua (Meigen)*, Euphorocera claripennis (Macquart), Euphorocera edwardsii (Williston), Exorista lobelia Coquillet (currently Nilea lobelia [Coquillet]), Exorista mella Walker, Leshenaultia spp., Lespesia aletiae (Riley), Lespesia frenchii (Williston), Patella leucaniae (Coquillet), Phorocera spp., Sisyropa spp., Winthemia datanae (Townsend), and Winthemia quadripustulata (Fabricius). Florida is home to many types of caterpillars. Figure 12. These caterpillars have stinging hairs in a row along each side as well as some on their front and back ends. The cloudless sulphur caterpillar is a light green caterpillar with black raised dots producing small spines. Investigative studies of skin irritations from caterpillars. Other symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal distress,. Some are more poisonous than others. 2 Red Widow Spiders Premaphotos / Alamy Stock Photo Journal of Investigative Dermatology 34(1): 67-79. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. In 2017, a Florida woman's 5-year-old son accidentally stepped on one as he played outside. The black caterpillar with yellow spots that you describe sounds like a monarch caterpillar. Tussock moth caterpillar Orgyia sp. Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, many larvae spin their difficult-to-remove cocoons on outdoor furniture, stored boats, and the walls and soffits of our houses. Immediate, excruciating pain is inevitable and should be expected. The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar changes from brown to green and then yellowish-green. Mature tussock moth (Orgyia sp.) Figure 20. Young caterpillars feed exclusively on new growth but mature larvae feed on older foliage as well. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) applying secretion to her egg mass. Black swallowtail caterpillars are large green larvae with black and yellow stripes around their segments. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. At rest, they hold their first pair of legs in an outstretched position. The tiny brown hairy caterpillars grow up to 1 (2.5 cm). Look closely at the monarch caterpillar, and youll notice white dots on its prolegs and black forelegs. Gainesville, Florida. According to reports, the poisonous spines contain toxins that produce pain if they sting someone. Youll find tobacco hornworms feeding on tomato plants and other nightshade crops. Red Admiral Caterpillar (Vanessa atalanta). 134 pp. The American dagger moth caterpillar is covered in yellow feathery spines with two pairs of long black spines on its back and a single black tuft of pencil-like hairs at its rear. In Florida, feeding damage to large trees by Orgyia species does not usually harm the trees. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The black swallowtail caterpillar doesnt have any horns, spikes, or spines on its smooth body. Most of the urticating hairs are in the dorsal tussocks of the caterpillars (Knight 1922), but a few are also found on the lateral verrucae and intermingled with the black plume hairs of the hair pencils (Gilmer 1925). Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company. Forester moth caterpillars grow up to 4.7 ( 12.5 cm) in their final instar. The hickory horned devil gets its name from the menacing red horns at its head. Monkey slug caterpillars have stinging hairs that can cause a painful sting if you handle it. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. Looking up close, you see that soft yellowish spines cover the prolegs and caterpillar abdomen. However, it becomes yellow when munching on yellow leaves. This article is an identification guide to Floridas exotic, scary, stinging, horned, furry, and smooth-bodied caterpillars. Polka-Dot was Moth caterpillars have the longest bristle hairs of all caterpillars in Florida. Castor beans, rosary beans and rosary peas all cause similar symptoms, according to the Florida Poison Control Center. . That reaction can include an itchy rash, vomiting, swollen glands and fever, according to the University of Michigan. Feeding by the caterpillars usually has little impact . Identifying the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar is easy due to its large eyespots, black and blue dots, and a dark line along its side. Long-Tailed Skipper Caterpillar (Urbanus proteus). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. To tell the two species apart, look at the markings on its side. Close-up pictures of the zebra longwing show the pointed black spikes are covered in fine spines. There are two puss caterpillar generations a year in Florida; one in spring and another in fall. According to National Geographic, its venom is 15 times more potent than that of a rattlesnakethough, contrary to common myths, few people ever perish at the hands of the small spider. Its spikes carry a high level of poison known to cause death. Detrita also lacks the whitish tornal spot of leucostigma and definita (Ferguson 1978). Fir tussock moth (light and dark forms), Orgyia detrita, and whitemarked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma, caterpillars. Orgyia detrita is univoltine (one generation per year) while the other two species are bivoltine in Florida (Foltz 2006). Io moth caterpillars grow to be 6.5 cm long; they are pale green with a white and a red strip down the length of their bodies. The characteristic trait of the small cabbage loopers is the arching or looping movements they make when crawling on plants. In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. When human skin or those of pets are exposed to these excretions, it results in allergic reactions and in other cases . The tomato hornworm is around 4 (10 cm) in length from its large head to its horned tail. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The caterpillar has four sets of black prolegs and three sets of pointed forelegs. Male whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma). With younger black-wave flannel moth caterpillars, the long wispy hairs hide the venomous short, sharp spines. The sides of Orgyia leucostigma are light in color, similar to the light form of detrita. Division of Plant Industry. . The caterpillars white-spotted black body is covered in jagged tufts of spines. Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar (Citheronia regalis). WATCH: Grumpy's Field Guide To Dangerous Spiders. This black and gray caterpillar feeds on passionflower foliage that helps it develop toxic compounds. Borror DJ. Definita is also lighter in body color than the other two species (Foltz 2004). Hickory horned devil caterpillars can grow up to 5.5 (14 cm) long. The furry puss caterpillar, the larval stage of the southern flannel moth, is one of the most poisonous caterpillars in the US. Hillsborough County (Florida) Health Department. The caterpillar with the most painful sting, at least in North America, is a species known to science as Megalopyge opercularis. The dorsal glandular structures on segments six and seven of leucostigma are bright red, those of detrita are orange, and those of definita are pale yellow. They are native to the Caribbean and its range is across South America, Mexico and the Southeastern United States including Florida. The spiny caterpillars can be yellow or orange-red and have a distinctive band of thin purple stripes along their back. Beadle D, Leckie S. 2012. has been confirmed as a host in Florida, but other host plants are also likely (Heppner 2003). Gilmer PM. There are also stinging hairs on its four sets of prolegs. Krombein KV, Hurd PD, Jr., Smith DR, Burks BD. Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar (Battus philenor). For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. The parasitoid cocoons are cloaked by the silk covering (spun by the wasp larvae) beneath the parasitized caterpillar (Inset: parasitoid cocoons from under silk covering - wasps have already emerged). Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. The zebra longwing caterpillar is a pale gray crawling insect with long black fleshy spikes often found in the southern United States. The beautiful Io moth, Automeris io (Fabricius), is one of our most recognizable moths. Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. Like many types of caterpillars, the polyphemus moth caterpillars look slightly different in each instar. The spiny caterpillar has a dark body with lateral blue bands, yellow lines, and white patches. Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. White Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Norape ovina) The mature white flannel moth caterpillar can reach 1-1/4 inch in length. These large caterpillars can reach 6.5 cm. Stinging rose larvae measure about 1 (2.5 cm) long. The monarch caterpillar is a type of striped, horned Florida caterpillar that has black, white, and yellow colors. Others, like that of the Black Widow, cause vomiting and diarrhea, paralysis, drunken gait, and muscle tremors. Its best to avoid handling stinging rose moth caterpillars because the venomous spines can cause redness and skin irritation. (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-one, labile sex pheromone of the whitemarked tussock moth. You will also notice feathery spines along the caterpillars sides. It is distinctive because of its prominent hind wing eyespots. In the year 2000, only 70 of 730 (9.6%) cocoons he examined had egg masses suggesting a high rate of mortality. The dark form is more common, its black with tiny white dots while the light form is white with a reddish head. Saddleback Caterpillar (Acharia stimulea). The Asp: A Caterpillar That's Dangerous for Pets. Figure 6. The pale green caterpillar has bands of bright green urticating tufts around its abdominal segments. Advertisement. Diaz JH. Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass. The green horned tobacco hornworm caterpillar is a plump larva with a light green body, eyespot markings, and white diagonal stripes along its sides. Most bugs and spiders native to Florida are not dangerous to people. The egg stage is the overwintering stage for all three species. Orgyia definita: Entire eastern U.S. cocoons under eaves of building. From its back this caterpillar has a tail that extends beyond its body. The fuzzy caterpillars congregate en masse on apple trees, as well as willow, oak, elm, birch, and maple trees. The caterpillar is also mildly toxic to birds and other predators. Figure 19. A gulf fritillary caterpillar has distinctive spines poking out from a smooth orange body with a blackish stripe. Crystal River, FL 34429 Phone: 352-563-6363 For technical issues, email webadmin@chronicleonline.com. Their fluffy "fur" actually hides small, sharp, spines that stick in your skin. ECLECTIC ELEMENTS (PWTH004.TAUPE Butterflight). Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Orgyia detrita: Although the common name is fir tussock moth, the only documented hosts are oaks and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) (Ferguson 1978). + Figures. Despite being a bizarre-looking green caterpillar, the large, plump caterpillar turns into one of Floridas most beautiful brown moths. The dark-colored caterpillar has fine hairs covering its body, giving it a velvety appearance. This can cause irritation similar to handling fiberglass. The American dagger caterpillar is a hairy pale yellow caterpillar with long black pencil hairs. A few species are known to sting, which can cause mild skin irritations, but none contain venom that may be harmful to people. For current control recommendations, contact your county extension agent. This horned caterpillar species has a pointed black projection at its tail end resembling a horn. Saddleback caterpillars get their name from their saddle-like markinga square green patch with a large brown circle in the middle. The cabbage looper is a green caterpillar common to Florida. Names from Arnaud (1978) have been updated by OHara and Wood (2004) and OHara (2012). Zebra Longwing Caterpillar (Heliconius charithonia). After mating, the females lay a mass of eggs directly on the cocoon and cover them with a protective covering. Palm Beach County News . Be prepared to tell them which plant and which part of the plant was eaten, how much was consumed and whether there are any immediate symptoms. Allergic reactions may occur and symptoms should be closely monitored. Other features of the redhumped moth caterpillar are its cherry-red round head, soft horn-like growths, and light, feathery spines. Pain should begin to decline after a couple hours and swelling declines after about 8 hours. The 14 poisonous caterpillars that we are going to discuss are: Puss Caterpillar Saddleback Caterpillar Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar Io Moth Caterpillar Bag Shelter Caterpillar Monarch Caterpillars Hag Moth Caterpillar Hickory Tussock Caterpillar Pine Processionary Caterpillar Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Stinging Rose Caterpillar Lonomia Obliqua
