The fuzzy caterpillar may be one of the cutest crawlers you may want to pet, but experts say beware. The crawler could be venomous and deliver a sting more painful than a jellyfish.
Alan Bond was out barbecuing when the crawler fell into his shirt.
"It was a very painful bite," Bond said, noting that the pain was a 10 on a scale of one to 10.
Karen Stauderman, an entomologist with the University of Florida extension in DeLand, said the fuzzy caterpillar is found in trees along the southeast. They can drop on someone unexpectedly.
Although the pain is excruciating and can sometimes cause nausea or a trip to a doctor’s office, there are no reported fatalities connected to the fuzzy caterpillar.
Stauderman said the caterpillars are deceptively attractive, especially to a child.
"The trees are around playgrounds in areas where children usually are," she said. "And children think they're cute."
Even Stauderman said she touched the fuzzy caterpillar after it landed on her arm.
The venom is embedded in the caterpillar's fur.
Bond used tape to remove the stingers. Stauderman said she applied cream on the sting to get rid of the pain, which lasted an entire day.
The puss caterpillar
Description: The puss caterpillar — almost 1-inch long when full mature — is completely covered with gray and brown hairs. Under the soft hairs are stiff spines that are attached to poison glands. When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Most often found on oaks and citrus. In Florida, there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall.
Possible symptoms: Some people experience severe reactions to the poison released by the spines and require medical attention. Others experience only an itching or burning sensation.
Recommended treatment: Place Scotch tape over the affected area and strip off repeatedly to remove spines. Apply ice packs to reduce the stinging sensation and follow with a paste of baking soda and water. If the victim has a history of hay fever, asthma or allergy, or if allergic reactions develop, contact physician immediately.