A stinging rose caterpillar has a yellow or red body with characteristic spiked horns on its back and a band of purple stripes. Look for jaggy horn-like upward-pointing spikes along its back and small clumps of spines along its sides. 2 Red Widow Spiders Premaphotos / Alamy Stock Photo Pupae appear hairy and have patches of dorsal spatulate setae (vesicles of Mosher 1916) on abdominal segments 1-3. Home owners develop dermatitis from contact with the cocoons while removing them from the soffits of houses. The red admiral is a spiky black caterpillar that has identifiable fleshy spines and white tiny dots. 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. The southern flannel caterpillar also has the common name puss caterpillar because it looks like a Persian cat. However, not all furry caterpillars are poisonous. The caterpillars feed on poisonous plants, such as milkweed, and those poisons survive the caterpillar's pupation. 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). While most butterflies and moths are likely non-toxic to hungry humans, a few species -- like the familiar monarch butterfly (Family Nymphalidae) -- feed on poisonous or unpalatable plants as larvae. Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass. Much of the older literature places the tussock moths in the family Liparidae and more recently in the . In addition, this small furry caterpillar has orangey spiny tufts on its back, tan-colored tufts along its sides, and a hairy brown body. Though the adult moths do not sting, if they are seen in an area, it is safe and best to assume that the more dangerous larvae are nearby or will soon be born. It is also named puss moth caterpillar. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Polka-Dot Wasp Moth Caterpillar. A banded woolly bear caterpillar is easy to identify due to the two black bands at its head and tail ends and a brown band around its middle. Hickory horned devil caterpillars can grow up to 5.5 (14 cm) long. They grow around an inch long and can be found throughout Florida. For a detailed taxonomic history and synonyms, see Ferguson (1978). Some less common ones also occur in the state. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars look like tomato hornworms. Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Older larvae are leaf-edge feeders. cocoons among foliage of ballmoss (Tillandsia recurvata). Other symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal distress,. 611 pp. Unfortunately, because of their green coloring, tomato hornworms can be difficult to spot under tomato leaves. These caterpillars can be perceived as dangerous and poisonous given their color. Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar (Battus philenor). Southern Flannel Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis). Their fluffy "fur" actually hides small, sharp, spines that stick in your skin. Intense throbbing pain develops within five minutes of contact with pain extending up the affected arm. Black Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes). The spines have toxin glands at their base, the toxin is released when the spines make contact with skin. To identify poisonous Florida caterpillars, look for a fuzzy body with stinging spines. Her expertise extends from weddings and animals to every pop culture moment in between. The southern US is home to many species of tent caterpillars, including the forest tent caterpillar. Some are more poisonous than others. Moths are dangerous to pets and human beings since they contaminate human food and pet food. The state Department of Forestry is warning residents to be on the lookout for . This caterpillar has a characteristic trait of rolling up to defend itself. You can often spot forester moth caterpillars feeding on herbaceous plants in Florida. The identifiable traits of the polyphemus moth caterpillar are a bright green, almost translucent body and rows of bright red or silver spiny dots around its segments. There is a white or yellow line on each side of the dark mid-dorsal line of leucostigma (Ferguson 1978, Godfrey 1987). The characteristic trait of the small cabbage loopers is the arching or looping movements they make when crawling on plants. After contact a sudden stinging or burning sensation begins and the affected area may begin to itch and turn red. north of Mexico (OHara 2012). Gainesville, Florida. The characteristic traits of the eight-spotted forester caterpillar are thick black-spotted orange stripes, tufts of thin spines, and white and black stripes. Additionally spines contain a toxin that can cause rashes of round, red, swelling welts that itch, and even tissue damage. Classey, Ltd. London. It has a black head and a lemon yellow body. The distinctive caterpillar can look like a dead hairy spider or old leaf. The literature frequently describes the females as being wingless. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). By the second instar, the larvae are already recognizable because of their short hair pencils. Castor beans, rosary beans and rosary peas all cause similar symptoms, according to the Florida Poison Control Center. The unusual milkweed tiger caterpillar is identified by clumps of orange, white, and light brown hairs covering its 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 . Adult moths tend to leave behind feces, eggs, and cocoons that remain after the caterpillar hatches. (1979): Figure 29. Caterpillars and Moths. Adults emerge from mid-April to early May. 1978. Figure 13. Allergic reactions may occur and symptoms should be closely monitored. There are many kinds of poisonous caterpillars; several caterpillars develop chemical warfare - they become poisonous. The stinging spines of this caterpillar contain poison that can cause a stinging sensation if you touch them. Figure 4. Spines cause sudden stinging redness and swelling in the affected area. Young larvae eat holes in leaves. The furry puss caterpillar, the larval stage of the southern flannel moth, is one of the most poisonous caterpillars in the US. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Gulf fritillary caterpillars mature at 0.5 (1.2 cm) in length. Orgyia sp. As its name suggests, tomato hornworms gorge on tomato plant foliage. The caterpillars white-spotted black body is covered in jagged tufts of spines. In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. Associated Publishers. Queen Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus gilippus). The brown and white caterpillar grows up to 1.6 (4 cm) long. Also, they are commonly spun in dense masses among the foliage of epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.). Parasitoids: Larvae and pupae are killed by various parasitoids. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. These caterpillars have stinging hairs in a row along each side as well as some on their front and back ends. Predators: Tussock moth larvae have various natural enemies. Identify a tobacco hornworm by its fat green body with whitish diagonal stripes and tiny eye-like markings on its sides. The Zebra Longwing ( Heliconius charithonia) butterfly is easy to recognize by the zebra-like pattern on its wings. These small insects are one of the country's most venomous . Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria). Predation of small and large. The azalea caterpillar is a black caterpillar with bright green bands around its plump, smooth body. There is also a row of stinging spines around its abdomen. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. It may be only an inch long, but you should still be sure to stay away from puss caterpillars in Florida. Each spring there are reports about tussock moth caterpillars being abundant in northcentral Florida. Males are small, relatively dull-colored moths with prominent bipectinate antennae. Completed cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). Definite tussock moth (Orgyia definita) caterpillar (front view). Beneficial Insects and Mites. Cabbage looper caterpillars grow up to 1.5 (4 cm). In addition, the ovoid-shaped caterpillar has venomous spiny poison-filled tubercles that can sting. 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 It's known as the white marked tussock moth. Residents in Central Florida are warning others that the "Puss Caterpillars," often described as being. Some types of caterpillars are easy to identify because of where they feed. Other traits of the pipevine swallowtail caterpillar are two rows of bright orange dots along its back. For circulation or delivery issues, email Home_delivery . These caterpillars get their name from their appearance. The caterpillars, known as browntail moths, are about 1.5 inches long and have white dashes down their sides and two red dots on their backs. It is found in great abundance particularly in Florida, United States where it thrives in tropical habitats. Stinging rose larvae measure about 1 (2.5 cm) long. As the imperial moth caterpillar goes through its instars, it gradually becomes darker and hairier. Figure 7. However, the females are grub-like with legs, but no wings, and they are light brown or yellow. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. These larvae are about 2 inches long. The stinging rose moth caterpillar is a colorful venomous caterpillar found along the east coast from New York to Florida. Journal of the Lepidopterists Society 65(4): 270-272. Caterpillars of the mottled cup moth, commonly found in eastern Australia, have a complex venom made up of 151 separate toxins, according to new research published in the journal PNAS. Redhumped Caterpillar (Schizura concinna). Fir tussock moth (light and dark forms), Orgyia detrita, and whitemarked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma, caterpillars. The saddleback caterpillar is a slug-like caterpillar with large spiked poisonous horns that can give a nasty sting. This species is relatively common throughout South Africa and feeds on a wide variety of African plants. They get to be about 2 cm long and also have clusters of spines that surround the edge of the body. Figure 18. The caterpillar is also mildly toxic to birds and other predators. Among Floridas exotic and strange-looking caterpillars are fuzzy, striped, and unusual-looking horned caterpillars. Feeding by the caterpillars usually has little impact . Look closely at the monarch caterpillar, and youll notice white dots on its prolegs and black forelegs. That reaction can include an itchy rash, vomiting, swollen glands and fever, according to the University of Michigan. Goldman L, Sawyer F, Levine A, Goldman J, Goldman S, Spinanger B. Each of the body segments features black tubercles that look like small round dots. Orgyia leucostigma was formerly placed in the genus Hemerocampa. Figure 16. Florida is home to many types of caterpillars. The following wasp parasitoids of Orgyia definita and Orgyia leucostigma are recorded by Krombein et al. Also, caterpillars in Florida can be green, yellow, black, or multi-colored. Spiny oak-slug caterpillars have a range of colors but can generally be identified by their oval, stout bodies, and their abundance of spiny protrusions. The puss or asp caterpillar of the southern flannel moth is recognized as one of the most venomous species found in the U.S. and its sting . pupa with spatulate setae. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) rubbing setae from her abdomen onto her egg mass. White Admiral Caterpillar (Limenitis arthemis). A mature imperial moth caterpillar is identified by its spiky appearance with hairs and spines covering its body. This is a defensive characteristic of some caterpillars to scare off predators. 1922. Here are 15 species of poisonous caterpillars from around the world. cocoons under eaves of building. Figure 23. Spines have a toxin gland at the base that is released when spines break off into the skin. Youll notice that the stripy caterpillar has six large fleshy tentaclestwo pairs near its head and two shorter horns at its tail end. These large caterpillars can reach 6.5 cm. Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar (Citheronia regalis). Buck moth caterpillars have a dark form and a light form; both forms have dark, lateral rows of multi-branched spines along their backs. The dark-colored caterpillar has fine hairs covering its body, giving it a velvety appearance. Figure 27. Also, large numbers of larvae blown onto small landscape trees may result in severe defoliation. Other features of the redhumped moth caterpillar are its cherry-red round head, soft horn-like growths, and light, feathery spines. The black caterpillar with yellow spots that you describe sounds like a monarch caterpillar. It is yellow-brown to purplish-black with many small white spots and a reddish head. . 110 pp. The larva of the common pine sawfly is a light green caterpillarwith a line of black dots along each side and a single black line along its back. Giant leopard caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. This green Florida caterpillar has a pale-yellow stripe running along its sides. Princeton University Press. Saddleback caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including maples, hibiscus, palms, and crapemyrtle. Advertisement. 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. The eight-spotted forester larva is an orange caterpillar with bands of white and black stripes around its body. These projections have poisonous spines and the sting is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from eating them. Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio glaucus). For example, the long, plump caterpillar is light green when feeding on green foliage. Look for them in groups near the base of plants. A pipevine swallowtail caterpillar larva is easy to identify due to its black appearance, brightly-colored orange dots, and fleshy tentacle-like horns. Although its hairy body looks soft, poisonous spines lurk underneath and can break off in your skin, causing severe pain. The evolving global epidemiology, syndromic classification, management, and prevention of caterpillar envenoming. Another unusual feature to identify the tiger swallowtail caterpillar is its defensive organ (osmeterium) on its head. 1960. Second instar fir tussock moth larva (Orgyia detrita). Names from Arnaud (1978) have been updated by OHara and Wood (2004) and OHara (2012). Gainesville, Florida. 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 . Princeton, New Jersey. Polka-Dot Wasp Moth caterpillars (Syntomeida epilais) abound in Florida. Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detrita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). 2009) and Polistes paper wasps (Castellanos et al. Spiny oak-slug caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oak, willow, and cherry species. Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms. Another defensive mechanism is its defensive organ osmeteriuma forked tongue-like structure that appears behind its head when threatened. Orgyia detrita has bright orange spots along the back and sides while the spots on leucostigma are yellow (Foltz 2004). Observations on the poisonous nature of the white-marked tussock-moth (. There is a humane way to get rid of cane toads. Adult Indian meal moths are about 8-10 mm in length and have a wingspan of 16-20 mm. An Io moth caterpillar has an identifiable green body, tufts of urticating spines, and a colorful red and white stripe running the length of its body just above its legs. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) exhibiting pose typical of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Baculovirus) infection. Identifying the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar is easy due to its large eyespots, black and blue dots, and a dark line along its side. Identify a white-marked tussock caterpillar by a black body with black and white hairy spines, yellow bands along its back, and a bright cluster of red hairs at its head. The oleander caterpillar, Syntomeida epilais Walker, a bright orange caterpillar with tufts of long black hairs, is a common sight on oleanders in Florida and southern Georgia according to the UF/IFAS. Severity can vary for each individual. Atrubin D, Granger K. April 28, 2006. Foltz (personal communication) counted egg masses on cocoons and found that there were far less than the 50 percent that would be expected based on a 50:50 ratio of females to males obtained by laboratory rearings. These large stinging caterpillars grow up to 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Beadle D, Leckie S. 2012. Diaz JH. Cocoons & Pupae: Cocoons are constructed of silk and setae from the caterpillars. The medical importance of Orgyia species caterpillars is well-documented in the scientific (Diaz 2005, Gilmer 1925, Goldman et al. . However, not all furry caterpillars are poisonous. Fabric with image of Orgyia detrita male. Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless. Additionally, there are small clumps of green or orange spines along its back and body. Insects and Spiders. 1979. . However, beneath its hairy surface are poisonous barbs that pack a powerful sting, which can result in days and even weeks of pain. Red admiral caterpillars grow 1 (2.5 cm) long. Symptoms vary in severity to include burning or stinging, itching, redness, and inflammation. 2005. The pipevine swallowtail caterpillar is a dark-brown, almost black caterpillar with fleshy horns at its head, tail, and sides. Figure 20. He has suggested that levels of parasitism of pupae often approach 50 per cent (Foltz 2004, 2006). Petersen Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern 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). Contact with the cocoons produces the same symptoms. 2007). "A puss caterpillar sting feels like a bee sting, only worse. Allergic reactions are possible but not common. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Imperial Moth Caterpillar (Eacles imperialis). In Florida, you can see these striped caterpillars on fruit trees, cottonwood, walnut, and willow trees. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29(3): 589-601. Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. There are also stinging hairs on its four sets of prolegs. Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. A breed of hairy caterpillars considered the most poisonous in the US have recently been spotted in Virginia. Gilmer (1925) conducted histological studies of the urticating setae of Orgyia leucostigma and found that each seta has a venom gland at its base. The monarch caterpillar is a type of striped, horned Florida caterpillar that has black, white, and yellow colors. The Florida cecropia moth caterpillar, is an easy-to-identify fat caterpillar that has pronounced segments with rows of blue and yellow fleshy bumps, black spikes, and several orange tubercles at its head. These caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oaks, dogwood, and apple. According to reports, the poisonous spines contain toxins that produce pain if they sting someone. However, there can be color variations, with some buck moth caterpillars appearing mostly white or brown. They have dense yellow setae (short hairs covering the body) that are mildly poisonous. Images of butterflies and moths are common in movies, art, jewelry, and fabrics. 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. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) applying secretion to her egg mass. The polyphemus moth caterpillar is a type of green, silk-spinning caterpillar found in Florida. There is little doubt that Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita also have many parasitoids. Possible Symptoms Recommended Treatment Protocol Flannel Moth Caterpillar Description Possible Symptoms Recommended Treatment Protocol As the green larva matures, its pale-yellow translucent head with fake eyespots turns a rusty-red color. It is uncommon in the northern parts of its range. Meghan Overdeep has more than a decade of writing and editing experience for top publications. Last year, the Florida Poison Centers got 393 calls about people stung by. The hickory horned devil gets its name from the menacing red horns at its head. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. Preliminary studies of the nuclear-polyhedrosis viruses infecting the white-marked tussock moth, Tussock moth caterpillars in north central Florida, Catalog of Hymenoptera in America North of Mexico, A classification of the Lepidoptera based on characters of the pupae, Update of Tachinid Names in Arnaud (1978), entry at North American Moth Photographers Group. Polka-Dot was Moth caterpillars have the longest bristle hairs of all caterpillars in Florida. Definite tussock moth (Orgyia definita) caterpillar (abdomen). One of the unusual caterpillars youll find in Florida is the cecropia moth caterpillar. The Asp: A Caterpillar That's Dangerous for Pets. The menacing stinging horns at either end of the caterpillar stand at 45. White feathery spines also stick out from its sides. The sub-dorsal areas (sides) can be a dark gray as in Figures 1 and 2, or they can be light gray to light yellow as in Figure 3. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar.