Stinging Caterpillars If you touch a stinging caterpillar, Puss Moth you will likely soon feel a burning and itching pain. The reason is that the Megalopyge opercularis A. caterpillar’s spines have punctured This caterpillar is somewhat your skin and have released a venom. pear shaped, with a short, thick body The result is a swollen, red, burning, densely covered with yellow, gray or itching area. brown hairs. It is about 1 inch (25mm) long at maturity and may be found on several species of shade trees and Saddleback Caterpillar Saddleback Caterpillar ornamentals. Photo: Virginia Cooperative Extension Sibine stimulate clem. This barbed, sluglike caterpillar Buck Moth has a bright brown spot in the middle of a green saddle-shaped area Hemileuca maia Drury This purple-black caterpillar IO Moth on its back. It has four prominent adult and lavva reddish-brown fleshy “horns,” two has a reddish head and small round near the head and two near the anal white spots over its body. Several segment. This caterpillar is somewhat spiny structures are located on each rectangular and is 1 inch (25mm) long segment of the body. When touched, these spiny structures cause a burning, when mature. It may be found on a Photo: Paul Duncan variety of foliage. itching and reddening of the areas stung. Buck moth larvae tend to cluster on branches and move about IO Moth in a follow-the-leader fashion. Primary Photo: Dr. Gary Mullen. Automeris io F. hosts include oak, willow, wild cherry, Auburn University This light green, spiny caterpillar rose and several other deciduous has a red or reddish and white stripe plant species. The larval state of this on the side of the body. The stripe species is prominent in April and May, extends the entire length of the but larvae have been collected in late abdomen. The body is covered with May. structures bearing green stinging spines. Some larvae grow from 2-2½ Control inches (60mm) long when mature. Stinging caterpillars are a nuisance This stinging caterpillar may be found to adults, but can be serious hazards on many shade trees and ornamentals. to small children, because the Puss Moth A caterpillar sting can be serious youngsters are attracted to the pests’ Photo: UT Houston Medical School to those who are allergic to insect bright, unusual colorations. Sprays toxins (stings). It can produce the are not normally applied except for same swelling and respiratory the buck moth, since it occurs in problems as bee stings. Anyone large numbers. Control of the other sensitive to insect bites or stings species is seldom needed except for Buck Moth should consult a doctor when stung knocking an occasional specimen to adult and lavva by a caterpillar. Pressing tape down the ground and mashing it. Consult hard on the sting and ripping it the Louisiana Insect Pest Management off will help to remove the spines, Guide for insecticides to use and thus closing the wound. Application their application rates. Refer to the of basic materials such as Clorox, chapter, Lawn & Garden: Louisiana ammonia, toothpaste, meat tenderizer Recommendations for Ornamentals and baking soda slurry will help to and Flowering Plants. This publication neutralize the amino acid venom and is available from your LSU AgCenter ease the burning stinging sensations. parish extension office. Photo: USDA Forest Service Archives. Visit our Web site: www.lsuagcenter.com Life Cycle Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Buck Moth Adult Pupa Egg Larva Egg IO Moth Pupa Adult Larva Eggs Pupa Adult Eggs Larva Pupa Puss Moth Pupa Adult Eggs Larva Pupa Adult Eggs Larva Pupa Saddleback Pupa Adult Eggs Larva Pupa Adult Eggs Larva Pupa Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Author: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center William B. Richardson, Chancellor Dale K. Pollet, Ph.D. Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology David J. Boethel, Vice Chancellor and Director Dennis Ring, Ph. D. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Paul D. Coreil, Vice Chancellor and Director Extension Entomologist Pub. 1979 (Online Only) 03/06 Rev. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Visit our Web site: Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. The Louisiana www.lsuagcenter.com Cooperative Extension Service provides equal opportunities in programs and employment..