A strange little insect that is infested with ticks like squirrels and squirrels for walking, according to the state. Forest Department (VDOF).
The venomous pus caterpillar is a larval form of the southern flannel moth (Megalopia opercularis), And if you see one you should stay away from it. Its “hair” is actually the spines that make it one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States. A New Kent County woman described the sensational incident of a “hot knife passing through the outside of my calf” when she attacked a man at the door of her car. According to daily progress.
VDOF According to, pus caterpillars have appeared before in Virginia. And they’ve been found in the North, just like New Jersey. But, they are largely common in Florida and west-central Texas University of Florida. Eric Day, manager of Virginia Tech’s Insect Identification Lab, told the Daily Progress that this looks like an “outbreak year.”
Related: Meet the colorful nocturnal moths of ‘Meriposas nocturnal’ (photos)
Climate change The weather in Virginia has made it warmer, as it is in most parts of the country.
“With changes in our environment, we are seeing some insects change their populations,” said Theresa Dellinger, another researcher at the same lab. Told CNN. “But it’s too early to say. Caterpillars, moths and butterflies all have cyclical periods, it’s all about the right time and the right conditions.”
CNN reports that caterpillar venom is similar to bee stings in that people who have a bad allergic reaction to bees are also more likely to have bad reactions to purulent caterpillars.
Virginia Tech Published a Document What to do if someone is “stung” by poisonous caterpillars. Key steps: Wash the area to get rid of residual hair or harmful substances. Place the tape on this area to remove the hair embedded in the skin. (Do this a few times, but use a fresh piece of tape each time.) Ice packs and steroid creams will reduce swelling and make the bite less painful. And anyone who has had a bad reaction to insects in the past or who is confused near the eyes should contact a doctor immediately.
CNN reports that the current plan is to reduce their population in the state to natural predators of caterpillars, but the state could launch an eradication program if they continue to spread uncontrollably.
Published on Original Living Science.
