In Florida, youll find this small, slender black and orange caterpillar munching through Passiflora plant foliage. Other features of the redhumped moth caterpillar are its cherry-red round head, soft horn-like growths, and light, feathery spines. For photographs of pinned and spread specimens of males of the Lymantriinae, see Ferguson (1978). Here are 15 species of poisonous caterpillars from around the world. The beautiful Io moth, Automeris io (Fabricius), is one of our most recognizable moths. Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless. Goldman et al. A stinging rose caterpillar has a yellow or red body with characteristic spiked horns on its back and a band of purple stripes. Polyphemus moth caterpillars have a bright green, plump body with bright red dots in bumps around each segment. This caterpillar has a characteristic trait of rolling up to defend itself. However, the females are grub-like with legs, but no wings, and they are light brown or yellow. ORLANDO, Fla. - The venomous puss caterpillars are popping up around Central Florida - and you'll want to keep your distance! Types of Venomous Caterpillars (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Furry Caterpillar Types with An Identification Chart and Pictures, Black and Orange Caterpillars (With Pictures) Identification Guide, Types of Arizona Caterpillars (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Florida Caterpillars (Including Hairy and Fuzzy) with Pictures Identification Guide, types of caterpillars are easy to identify, large green larvae with black and yellow stripes, Types of Yellow Caterpillars (With Pictures), Types of Horned Caterpillars (With Pictures), Types of Striped Caterpillars (With Pictures). 2012, Atrubin & Granger 2006, Cruse et al. The caterpillar has a flattened hairy body with nine pairs of strange-looking projections from its sides. Southern flannel caterpillars grow up to 1 (2.5 cm) long. Males are difficult to distinguish, but fresh specimens of Orgyia leucostigma and Orgyia definita have a purplish tint that is lacking in Orgyia detrita. In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. A gulf fritillary caterpillar has distinctive spines poking out from a smooth orange body with a blackish stripe. Only the three species that are found in Florida will be discussed here. Gries R, Khaskin G, Khaskin E, Foltz JL, Schaefer PW, Gries G. 2003. Spiny oak caterpillars are 0.8 (2 cm) long. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. After mating, the females lay a mass of eggs directly on the cocoon and cover them with a protective covering. Detrita and U.S. populations of leucostigma have bright red heads while definita are unique because of their tan or yellow heads. (Inset: photomicrograph of antrose [distally projecting] barbs on urticating setae of the tussocks). For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. 8 Black And Orange Caterpillars That Are Poisonous. 15 pp. Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms. Four poisonous species of caterpillars have been found in South Florida: the saddleback, puss, io and the hag. Welts resulting from contact with Orgyia hairs usually appear within minutes and subside by the next day, but itching and erythema commonly continue for another day or two. People apparently vary somewhat in their sensitivity to Orgyia species hairs. For a detailed taxonomic history and synonyms, see Ferguson (1978). The queen butterfly caterpillar is a black and white striped caterpillar with yellow dots on its back and sides. Hairy forest tent caterpillars mature at 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Lonomia, often considered to be the most venomous, is included in this subfamily. In Florida, feeding damage to large trees by Orgyia species does not usually harm the trees. The azalea caterpillar is a black caterpillar with bright green bands around its plump, smooth body. Hayashi Y, Bird HT. larva. The caterpillar with the most painful sting, at least in North America, is a species known to science as Megalopyge opercularis. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company. Another defensive mechanism is its defensive organ osmeteriuma forked tongue-like structure that appears behind its head when threatened. The University of Florida says that some caterpillar species have stinging hairs called urticating hairs. 1. Classey, Ltd. London. Predators: Tussock moth larvae have various natural enemies. Its body looks like a squashed hairy spider with leg-like protrusions of various sizes along its sides. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Despite being a bizarre-looking green caterpillar, the large, plump caterpillar turns into one of Floridas most beautiful brown moths. Tachinid puparium from Orgyia sp. In addition, there are four tufts of white or yellow hairs on its back and two red dots at its rear end. north of Mexico (OHara 2012). Tussock moth caterpillar Orgyia sp. These caterpillars are covered in soft hairs that seem like fun to touch but fight the urge! ecology, identification and distribution of Caterpillars -- identification guide -- Discover Life. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (light form). Io moth caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants including hibiscus, elms, maples, wisteria, roses, azaleas, and willows. Advertisement. These caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oaks, dogwood, and apple. The dark-colored caterpillar has fine hairs covering its body, giving it a velvety appearance. The menacing stinging horns at either end of the caterpillar stand at 45. Figure 8. Figure 7. Insects are very popular in human culture. pupa with spatulate setae. The buck moth caterpillar also has a rounded shiny black head. Completed cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). Mature puss caterpillars begin to spin their cocoons by making a thin framework of silk using their hair covering as support. They grow around an inch long and can be found throughout Florida. Figure 24. The skin can become red and swollen, and the symptoms can last between one and seven days. Males are small, relatively dull-colored moths with prominent bipectinate antennae. You will also notice two characteristic black long horns at the head end and two shorter horn-like tails. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. The six horn-like structures are black with red coloring at the base. There is a humane way to get rid of cane toads. As the long-tailed skipper caterpillar matures, its body becomes pale green, and it develops pinkish patterns. Krombein KV, Hurd PD, Jr., Smith DR, Burks BD. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The identifiable features of the cecropia caterpillar are its large, ridge-like segments, blue and orange tubercles with black spikes, and a lime green body. These large caterpillars can reach 6.5 cm. Some exotic southern caterpillars have fleshy tentacle-like spikes that help with identification. He has suggested that levels of parasitism of pupae often approach 50 per cent (Foltz 2004, 2006). The caterpillar is also mildly toxic to birds and other predators. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Diagram of urticating seta and associated venom gland of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma). Parasitoids: Larvae and pupae are killed by various parasitoids. Its instantly recognizable feature is the large eye markings on its head. ENY-276. Looking up close, you see that soft yellowish spines cover the prolegs and caterpillar abdomen. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Stings from this caterpillar are milder than the stings of other stinging caterpillars. In Florida, there are two generations of puss caterpillars a year, one in spring and the other in fall. Also, caterpillars in Florida can be green, yellow, black, or multi-colored. It is also called the hairy caterpillar. The 14 poisonous caterpillars that we are going to discuss are: Puss Caterpillar Saddleback Caterpillar Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar Io Moth Caterpillar Bag Shelter Caterpillar Monarch Caterpillars Hag Moth Caterpillar Hickory Tussock Caterpillar Pine Processionary Caterpillar Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Stinging Rose Caterpillar Lonomia Obliqua Caterpillars and Moths. 670 pp. A comparative study of the poison apparatus of certain lepidopterous larvae. The Moths of America North of Mexico Including Greenland. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) parasitized by wasps. There is little doubt that Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita also have many parasitoids. Youll find tobacco hornworms feeding on tomato plants and other nightshade crops. Most common in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (Ferguson 1978, Orgyia definita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). They have dense yellow setae (short hairs covering the body) that are mildly poisonous. The identifiable feature of the tiger swallowtail is its strange eye-like markings on either side of its head. Wingspreads of Orgyia species are 2.0-3.5 cm (0.78-1.4 in). Tech & Science Insects Weird Animals Florida Venom Puss caterpillars, which have a painful, venomous sting, have been sighted in Central Florida. Look closely at the monarch caterpillar, and youll notice white dots on its prolegs and black forelegs. From its back this caterpillar has a tail that extends beyond its body. Stinging rose larvae measure about 1 (2.5 cm) long. The zebra longwing caterpillar is a pale gray crawling insect with long black fleshy spikes often found in the southern United States. Caterpillar identification is by their size, type of bodyhairy or smooth, patterns on their body, and the presence of horns. Beneficial Insects and Mites. The caterpillar grows up to 2 (5 cm) long. The following wasp parasitoids of Orgyia definita and Orgyia leucostigma are recorded by Krombein et al. The genus name Orgyia (Greek for the length of the outstretched arms [Borror 1960]), is based on this pose. These caterpillars feed on a large variety of plants but are most commonly found on citrus, oaks, and elms. Although the fir tussock moth is not a highly familiar moth even to most entomologists, an image of an adult male does appear in a popular design used on ornamental paper, wall art, journal covers, purses, and fabric (Tim Holtz, personal communication). To identify the redhumped caterpillar, look for its characteristic black and white stripes on a yellow body, black fleshy tentacles, and a band of red bumps around its thorax. The spiny oak slug caterpillar has a recognizable green body with three pairs of large spikes with black-tipped spines at the head and two similar horn-like spines at the rear. According to National Geographic, its venom is 15 times more potent than that of a rattlesnakethough, contrary to common myths, few people ever perish at the hands of the small spider. Note purple tint on wings and white tornal spot. These caterpillars have stinging hairs in a row along each side as well as some on their front and back ends. Although it looks like a stinging caterpillar, the banded woolly bear doesnt sting and isnt poisonous. The tomato hornworm is a bright green caterpillar with V-shaped markings and a row of eye-like markings along its sides. In addition, several varieties of stinging caterpillars in the Sunshine State can give you a nasty sting if you handle them. To identify tent worms, look for blackish-brown worm-like caterpillars with blue, black, and yellow lines running lengthwise on their back with an irregular white pattern on each segment. EPI-NOTES Disease Surveillance Newsletter. A Florida woman posted on Facebook that she was hospitalized after. The characteristics of the red admiral caterpillar that helps identify it are a shiny black body covered in bands of spiny spikes. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 72(3): 347-357. Leucostigma females cover their eggs with a frothy secretion but do not cover the secretion with setae (Ferguson 1978). Close-up pictures of the zebra longwing show the pointed black spikes are covered in fine spines. Cecropia moth caterpillar grows around 4.5 (10 cm) long. + Figures. The saddleback caterpillar is a slug-like caterpillar with large spiked poisonous horns that can give a nasty sting. The pale green caterpillar has bands of bright green urticating tufts around its abdominal segments. Its spikes carry a high level of poison known to cause death. Henn T, Weinzierl R, Koehler PG. It is uncommon in the northern parts of its range. You can often spot forester moth caterpillars feeding on herbaceous plants in Florida. Figure 14. Immediate, excruciating pain is inevitable and should be expected. The monkey slug caterpillar is one of the most unusual brown hairy caterpillars youll find in Florida. Newly-hatched larvae of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). 611 pp. Orgyia detrita has two common color forms in Florida, a dark form and a light form. A characteristic feature of the cloudless sulphur caterpillar is that its color changes depending on its food. In Florida, the overwintering eggs begin to hatch in late February. For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. The black swallowtail caterpillar doesnt have any horns, spikes, or spines on its smooth body. The spiny oak slug caterpillar is a colorful larva with jagged spikes around its body and four pairs of upward-pointing spiked orange horns. Puss caterpillars are 2.5 cm long and covered with gray to brown hairs that conceal its head and mouthparts. Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. The black circles surrounded by a yellow ring and white pattern create false eyespots with a reflection. Identification of the white admiral caterpillar is by its brownish-olive body with white, uneven blotches on its back and along its sides. Venomous puss caterpillars have poison control on alert. Orgyia sp. The form that occurs from South Carolina to Texas is subspecies Orgyia leucostigma leucostigma (Godfrey 1987). It is common in Florida during the fall and spring on oak and elm trees and was recently sighted in Clermont, Florida, according to FOX 35 News. Its best to avoid handling stinging rose moth caterpillars because the venomous spines can cause redness and skin irritation. Figure 21. New York, New York. Expand Autoplay. Just like the Red Lacewings caterpillars, the caterpillars of Zebra Longwing butterflies feed on passion vines which contain toxins. Figure 25. You can also call Miami Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Fox News reports that the larvae of the Southern flannel moth, also commonly known as "asps," have been spotted in Florida, and experts are urging residents to stay far away from the furry white insects which like to hang out on oak and citrus trees. Detrita also lacks the whitish tornal spot of leucostigma and definita (Ferguson 1978). Ferguson DC. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Photographs by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Also, they are commonly spun in dense masses among the foliage of epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.). Hossler EW. Youll notice that the stripy caterpillar has six large fleshy tentaclestwo pairs near its head and two shorter horns at its tail end. Instead, it is the larvae of the pine sawflya brown, winged insect that looks like a type of wasp. Like many types of caterpillars, the polyphemus moth caterpillars look slightly different in each instar. This article is an identification guide to Floridas exotic, scary, stinging, horned, furry, and smooth-bodied caterpillars. Puss Caterpillar/Southern Flannel Moth Megalopyge opercularis. Stings from these caterpillars can cause intense burning, inflammation, and red blanching. Their fluffy "fur" actually hides small, sharp, spines that stick in your skin. According to reports, the poisonous spines contain toxins that produce pain if they sting someone. Forester moth caterpillars grow up to 4.7 ( 12.5 cm) in their final instar. Atrubin D, Granger K. April 28, 2006. What You Need to Know About the Southern Flannel Moththe Country's Most Poisonous Caterpillar, Dream Team: Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson Spotted Cruising Through Dollywood in a Golf Cart, Check Out the New Rollercoaster Headed to Dollywood in Spring 2023, Jennifer Garner Brings Aid to Eastern Kentucky During Tour Of Flood-Ravaged Communities, County Fair Queen Linda Skeens Revealed! Resident Joel Mathis told Orlando TV. The distinctive caterpillar can look like a dead hairy spider or old leaf. Dropping from host plants in response to predators by a polyphagous caterpillar. Identify a tobacco hornworm by its fat green body with whitish diagonal stripes and tiny eye-like markings on its sides. Luna moth caterpillars have a characteristic habit of raising the front part of their body. The parasitoid cocoons are cloaked by the silk covering (spun by the wasp larvae) beneath the parasitized caterpillar (Inset: parasitoid cocoons from under silk covering - wasps have already emerged). Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The white-marked tussock caterpillar is one of the most unusually hairy caterpillars youll find in Florida. Health officials said the Orgyia leucostigma is also known as the white-marked tussock moth. In Florida, you can see these striped caterpillars on fruit trees, cottonwood, walnut, and willow trees. Caterpillars hatch from eggs and develop into worm-like crawling insects with four sets of prolegs, six forelegs, and a segmented body. Feeds on oak, willow and other deciduous plants. When human skin or those of pets are exposed to these excretions, it results in allergic reactions and in other cases . Gainesville, Florida. The medical importance of Orgyia species caterpillars is well-documented in the scientific (Diaz 2005, Gilmer 1925, Goldman et al. To identify the luna moth caterpillar, look for its brown head, lines of bright red dots running along its light green body, four pairs of large prolegs, and three pairs of brown forelegs. It is also named puss moth caterpillar. Those infected with nuclear polyhedrosis virus typically die in a characteristic pose - hanging limp by their prolegs.