The Stinging Caterpillars Are Real and in Your Garden
If your idea of caterpillars is primarily based on reading Eric Karl’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar , then a specific image probably comes to mind when you imagine these many-legged insects. Not only does Karl’s titular caterpillar have a distinctive look, his insatiable appetite (and instant regret after snacking on sweets) makes him one of the closest characters in literature, so it’s no surprise that he stays with us into adulthood.
But not all caterpillars are so cute. In fact, some of them were stung. It’s not their fault – it’s just what they do. But if you are on the side, it will most likely hurt, so do not touch them. Stacy L. Nash of BobVila.com recently shared some examples of stinging caterpillars to watch out for in your garden. Here’s what to look out for.
The spiny oak slug is actually a caterpillar.
This bright green slug, which appears to be a caterpillar, has a body made up of multiple lobes, each covered in tiny, stinging hairs. The good news is, although they live in North America, they are relatively rare. The bad news is that most people who come into contact with the prickly oak goo, which usually hangs on the underside of the leaf, experience painful bites. And, according to Nash , “There is a small percentage of people who have a more severe reaction to the bite and may need medical attention.”
The caterpillars of slug monkeys look like dead leaves
We’ll let Nash take this :
The slug monkey caterpillar doesn’t actually look very much like a caterpillar or slug. In a way, it resembles a crumpled, dying leaf. Its tentacles and thick hair hide sharp thorns that contain its venom. Most people wouldn’t want to take this strange creature because of its strange, spider-like appearance, but the spiky thorns seal the deal to avoid this New England native.
Caterpillars of the white flannel moth are beautiful but painful
This tricolor guy is black, yellow and red and has tufts of long hair that emerge from the yellow mounds that make up his body. Nash explains that while long black hair does not braid, short hair covering tufts does, noting that you are more likely to see a caterpillar of a white flannel moth in late summer, and it appears all over the southern, midwestern, and eastern areas. USA These insects develop into adorable fluffy moths, but stay away from them until they molt.
The caterpillars of the stinging rose are agitated
The name speaks for itself, but if you find one in your garden, it won’t have a name tag on it. This is why it is important to know that stinging rose caterpillars are brightly colored (some combination of red, orange and yellow), striped and horned. According to Nash , its bright colors alert other creatures to their poison.
The caterpillars of the flannel moth are fluffy, but don’t be fooled
If your doctor tells you to fast before your blood test and you find it difficult to do it, look at the caterpillar of a flannel moth and you will be sorted out. The caterpillar of the flannel moth is also known as the “cat caterpillar” and is also known by the nickname “asp.” Its body is covered with poisonous spines, which are hidden by a cloud of fine silky hairs.
“Once these thorns pierce the skin, they cause a painful, stinging rash that can last for days,” Nash explains, noting that they are found in Texas and several other southern states. The only consolation is that they are relatively rare and tend to live in trees.
To learn more and see pictures of these and other stinging caterpillars, check out Nash’s article .