Worlds Most Dangerous Caterpillars
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar
Their brightly colored skin indicates that they are dangerous. Their sting usually causes rash but there have also been several deaths caused by this caterpillar
White Cedar Moth Caterpillar
These caterpillars grow to a length of about 4 cm. They have two small brown knobs on abdominal segments six and seven, which are dorsal glands.
They are covered in bristles, to which some people are allergic, giving them
urticaria. Not only do humans suffer from irritation from the hairs.
The Puss Caterpillar
or woolly slug , is the most poisonous caterpillar in the United States. It spits acid on predators.
The fur of the larva contains venomous spines that cause extremely painful reactions in human
skin upon contact
Buck Moth Caterpillar
This attractive and hairy caterpillar is the larva of the Buck Moth, a rare pine barren insect.
However, being quite common in Louisiana. This larva bears large spines that can cause a painful irritation upon contact.
Saddleback Caterpillar
This unique caterpillar that stings has stiff spines with potent poison glands. Stings can be very painful.
They can cause swelling, nausea, and leave a rash that can last for days. The Saddleback Caterpillar feeds on many plants including hibiscus and palms.
Monkey Slug or Hag Caterpillar
This caterpillar is extremely bizarre in appearance. It has nine pairs of variable - length , lateral processes , which bear the stinging hairs.
These processes are curved and twisted and likened by some to the disheveled hair of a hag, for which it is aptly named. It is found on various forest trees and ornamental shrubs, but is not as common as the other stinging caterpillar species.
