Throughout history, people have learned to be cautious around certain animals and creatures. While many wildlife creatures pose no threat to humans, it’s always essential to stay vigilant in natural settings.
That’s exactly what mother Leslie Howe did when she was at a local park with her family.
In 2014, Leslie, a mother from Georgia (USA), came across something peculiar near her children while they were playing at the playground.
It started as a typical day out with the kids until Leslie spotted a strange hairy ball-like creature, as reported by USA Today. Trusting her instincts, the mother made a crucial decision.
“Feels like a wasp sting, but worse”
While in the park in Gwinnett County with her baby and two other young children, Leslie noticed the “furry ball” that grabbed her attention. Although small and seemingly harmless at first glance, she felt an immediate urge to steer clear. Although this incident dates back a few years, it’s resurfacing online to alert American parents of the potential danger.
Beneath the fur of this creature lurked a menace, and ever since that day, Leslie has aimed to caution others to avoid the suspicious furball: a Megalopyge Opercularis larva, widely known as the ‘puss caterpillar’ or southern flannel moth.
The creature’s name likely stems from its soft fur, resembling that of a cat. Despite its harmless appearance, it houses venom that it can inject, concealed within its hair adorned with toxic barbs.
These larvae, which can reach just over an inch in length, are prevalent across a large section of the United States. As per NPR, they have been spotted “munching on foliage in states from New Jersey to Florida and as far as Texas.”
The sting of this caterpillar is potent and must never be touched. In case of contact, they can cling to the skin and administer their venom.
“The pain is akin to a wasp sting but more intense. The discomfort is immediate and escalates as the creature continues to sting, potentially causing bone ache. The severity of the sting varies based on the location and the number of barbs penetrating the skin. Those who had the caterpillar stick to their hands reported feeling the pain up to their shoulders, lasting up to twelve hours,” ethnologist Don Hall shared with National Geographic via Expressen.
Eric Day, overseeing the Insect ID Lab at Virginia Tech, experienced the agony of a caterpillar sting firsthand. While tending to his rural Virginia yard, he inadvertently brushed against a tree and was stung by the peculiar-looking caterpillar.
“The burning sensation subsided within a day, but a blister and ongoing irritation were visible for several weeks,” he recollects.
If stung by this caterpillar, use tape to eliminate the toxic hairs, followed by a gentle washing of the area with water and soap. The National Capital Poison Center suggests applying hydrocortisone cream or baking soda on the itchy sting site. If symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance.
While puss caterpillars rarely prove fatal, their sting can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Witness the peculiar and enigmatic caterpillar in action:
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