Four Caterpillars in Miami that Actually ARE Poisonous

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“Don’t touch those caterpillars! They’re poisonous!” 

If I had a colada for every time that phrase was yelled out across a Miami playground, I would be so wired I could pick up transmissions from deep space.  

You’ve heard the story about the boy who picked up an adorable looking, fuzzy-wuzzy seed pod only to be thrown into fits of fiery pain and rushed to the ER, right? 

Yea. I have too. Then I didn’t let my kids out for the next week. 

But “Knowledge is Power,” so they say. And “Kids will be Kids!”, so they say. And “Kids Will Always Touch the One Thing that Will Cause Them The Most Pain Ever Even When I Tell Them Constantly Not To!”, or so they say. 

And so, here are four caterpillars that you actually DO need to look out for. Save the pictures on your phone. Show them to your kids. Who knows…. maybe they’ll listen? I not, check out the safety tips at the end for what to do if you do have a close encounter of the many-legged kind. 

4 Poisonous Caterpillars Found in Miami

Poisonous caterpillars don’t have stingers, like a wasp or bee, but they have spines that are connected to their poison glands. When a curious young entomologist happens to brush against the spines, the poison is released. Some people experience an itching or burning sensation, and others will need medical attention. 

Saddleback Caterpillar  

 Four Caterpillars in Miami that Actually ARE Poisonous  

The saddleback caterpillar plays by the rules: bright = bad. Its spines are found mainly on the front and back with some also along the side. They can be found on a wide variety of plants including maples, hibicus, and crape myrtles. The spines embed deeply in the skin and cause intense pain with red itchy welts.

IO Moth Caterpillar 

Four Caterpillars in Miami that Actually ARE Poisonous

I honestly do not know how my children have not been stung by this poisonous caterpillar before. They are literally all over the Ixora bushes in our front yard. Really. There are more caterpillars than leaves on our hedge. 

The IO moth caterpillar are pale green with a white and red stripe going down their side. Their spines are visible along the back of the caterpillar. The spines create a sudden stinging that can last up to 8 hours. 

Hag Caterpillar 

Four Caterpillars in Miami that Actually ARE Poisonous

If you thought Hag Caterpillar was bad wait until you hear its other name: Monkey Slug. Their stinging hairs can be found along their oddly shaped, curving spines. This poisonous caterpillar can be found on oak trees and other hosts. The symptoms can vary and most people experience burning, itching, and redness. 

Puss Caterpillar 

Four Caterpillars in Miami that Actually ARE Poisonous

Seemingly most innocuous of them all, resembling an adorable little baby Porg  from the latest Star Wars, is the puss caterpillar. However, the puss caterpillar is not a force to be reckoned with (excuse the pun).

The puss caterpillar is at the root of the playground legend mentioned earlier and is making headlines across Florida  in recent months.

It is found in oak and citrus trees and has been known to drop down unexpectedly from branches. It reaches one inch long and is covered in brown or gray hairs. The severity of the sting increases with the size of the caterpillar and symptoms can be severe. Medical attention is advised. 

First Aid

If you or your child is stung by a poisonous caterpillar, call your doctor and follow these tips from the University of Florida Extension Office: 

Place clear 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 a physician immediately.

Keep the number to Poison Control handy. It’s free and confidential.

1-800-222-1222

Learn more about poisonous caterpillars in the Southeast here: 

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in014

3 COMMENTS

  1. I’m going to have nightmares about that creepy looking puss caterpillar. It just seems so wrong. Randomly dropping off of trees?! ?

  2. I found a puss caterpillar on the edge of my planter in my backyard terrace. My kids usually water the plants with me and I spotted it and had no idea what it was at the time. After some research, I was shocked!! Crazy. Thankfully, my kids didn’t come near it and I’ve since told them not to touch anything unknown until they ask us first… great article by the way!!

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