They crawl all over anything underneath the trees. These caterpillars are most often found on oaks and citrus, according to the Florida Poison Information Center. 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 People with allergies to insects should consult their physician regarding having medications such as Benadryl or an Epi-pen ready before a bite. Hag Caterpillar. Cecropia moth caterpillar. Victims of these insects may experience mild irritation, itching, or burning sensations. Redhumped caterpillar. tiger swallowtail caterpillar Scientific name: Papilio glaucus. A puss caterpillar sting does not necessarily require a trip to the emergency room, but The Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa warns those who have a Some less common ones also occur in the state. 3. Even though they're named after cats and look remarkably like Tribbles, the puss caterpillar is actually the most venomous caterpillar in the world. Usually the caterpillars do not have much effect on the oak trees. The Saddleback caterpillar has spiny venomous horns that cause painful sting. Children from Florida to Virginia have been stung and the excruciating pain has been landing them in the hospital. For questions or emergencies, call our toll-free line 24 hours a day at: 1-800-222-1222. 4. Oak trees are a host plant for the tussock moth caterpillar. Are There Poisonous Caterpillars In Florida? Saddleback Caterpillar. What makes them especially diabolical -- aside from the fiery torturous pain they inflict -- is that they look adorably harmless. Beware of Poisonous Caterpillar in Florida 25th Sep 2014 Diseases, Medical News Recently there have been countless news stories about a spectacular caterpillar the puss caterpillar. Wash the area gently with soap and water. Don Hall, an entomologist at the University of Florida, said a sting from one of these fluffy guys "feels like a bee sting, only worse. The Florida Poison Information Centre informs people to beware of these little nasties as a severe allergic reaction can result in death, especially for the young and the old. It looks remarkably like a bird dropping throughout its larval stages. Repeat with fresh pieces of tape as often as needed to treat the exposed skin. These caterpillars feed primarily on citrus and are called orange dogs because they are commonly found in orange groves. 4 Poisonous Caterpillars Found in Miami. They develop mechanisms to resist predation in part by becoming venomous and/or toxic. Its spines are colorful, sharp and protrude from the front, back and sides of the caterpillar. Spiny Oak-Slug Caterpillar Euclea delphinii. A large caterpillar, 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 long when mature. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. Four poisonous species of caterpillars have been found in South Florida: the saddleback, puss, io and the hag. IO Moth Caterpillar. Poisonous caterpillars dont have stingers, like a wasp or bee, but they have spines that are connected to their poison glands. Some less common ones also occur in the state. In the Limacodidae family of slug-type caterpillars, the Saddleback has spiny horns that sting. Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar While you may not be familiar with the native southern flannel moth, you might have heard of its larvae: the puss caterpillar. When a curious young entomologist happens to brush against the spines, the poison is released. The young caterpillars look relatively ordinary small, thin, yellow and covered with hairs that stick from the sides. Though they arent as dangerous as a venomous snake, caterpillars can still cause serious complications to human beings. Fir tussock moth (light and dark forms), Orgyia detrita, and white marked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma, caterpillars. Palm Beach County News Pictures of four poisonous caterpillars in Florida Apr 12, 2012 at 7:33 am 1 of 4 Hag caterpillar Hag caterpillar is less common than other species. Puss caterpillar. The Saddleback caterpillar ( Acharia stimulea) has an angry look that is able to ward off many predators and humans alike. There are some species of Florida caterpillars that are stinging and venomous. Poisonous scorpions from other states may cause weakness and paralysis. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. Over the last couple of weeks, if you have oak trees, you have probably seen tussock moth caterpillars ( Orgyia spp.). Description. Stinging Caterpillars. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the Puss Caterpillar, Saddleback Caterpillar, IO Moth Caterpillar and Hag Caterpillar. The caterpillars' fur hides toxic spines that stick to your skin. Rosary. Pull up the tape, removing any hairs or spines. The caterpillar is covered in hair-like bristles with Tussock moth caterpillars are occasionally abundant and widespread in northcentral Florida. Some people experience severe reaction to the poison Under the soft hairs are stiff spines that are attached to poison glands. Each spring there are reports about tussock moth caterpillars being abundant in northcentral Florida. Oleander ( Nerium oleander ), also known as rose bay, is native to the Mediterranean region eastward to India and southern China. There a few common caterpillars in Florida (including in Gainesville, Tampa, and Jacksonville) that include: and foliage. Hag caterpillar. While leading a nature walk in Tippecanoe 1 preserve, we encountered a puss caterpillar (larval stage of the southern flannel moth). Possible Symptoms An allergic reaction is the most common symptom. It is stout and 1 to 1.5 inches long. The tiger swallowtail caterpillar can be found 2. Florida scorpions are not venomous. Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, these insects may spin their difficult-to-remove cocoons on houses, boats, picnic tables and other outdoor articles. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the 14 poisonous caterpillars that can kill you. It is yellow-brown to purplish-black with many small white Flannel Moth Caterpillar. When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Bite Site Pain, mild swelling. Caterpillars are the larval stages of moths and butterflies and are food for many other animals. This caterpillar is 1-1/2 to 2 long when mature and has a blotchy brown-and-white pattern. The 14 poisonous caterpillars that we are going to discuss are: Puss Caterpillar. And, of course, they're apparently all over Florida. Saddleback Caterpillar. Florida Caterpillars (Including Hairy and Fuzzy) with Pictures Identification Guide. These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. At an inch long, the puss caterpillar is one of the most venomous in the country. Apr 12, 2022 at 10:30 am. Tiger swallowtail caterpillar. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar . Seminole County Public Schools made a post on Twitter to make parents aware that the caterpillars could leave behind a stinging rash. It's called the puss caterpillar and they are insanely nasty. What caterpillars are poisonous in Florida? Of course, these caterpillars do not really possess stingers, but they do have spines that are connected to poison glands. Click to see full answer . In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. Spiny oak-slug caterpillars have a range of colors Southern Flannel Moth Caterpillar or Puss Caterpillar (Poisonous) The puss caterpillar is widespread in the Southern States, including New Jersey, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas. They also happen to be the most poisonous caterpillars in the United States. Orlando Sentinel. It is in the same family as frangipani and milkweed. Some less common ones also occur in the state. Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. According to a University of Florida IFAS Extension document, Florida has four major stinging caterpillars the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar. The puss caterpillar is one of the "most venomous caterpillars in the U.S.," and it's making its seasonal return to at least one unlucky Southern state. The 9 unique species of caterpillars in Florida. Native to India and parts of tropical Asia, the rosary pea has been widely used throughout Florida's landscapes as an ornamental plant for decades. The Florida Department of Health has a warning about one bug in particular parents should watch out for while their kids play outside. Puss Caterpillar. The caterpillar is common in Florida, according to DOH. 1. For photos and information about Floridas venomous creatures, click on the links below: Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, many larvae spin their difficult-to-remove cocoons on outdoor furniture, stored boats, and the walls and soffits of our houses. Some less common ones also occur in the state. The saddleback caterpillar is striking in appearance with what looks like a bright green blanket draped over its back and a brown saddle-shaped oval area in the center of the blanket. Puss caterpillars feed on a variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs, and are most often found on oaks and citrus. 5. Puss, because this caterpillar is as fuzzy as a kitty; and asp, as in snake, because this is one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Oleander is grown as a heat- and drought-tolerant evergreen flowering shrub in gardens throughout Florida. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Florida officials are warning about a potentially harmful caterpillar that may be lurking where your kids play during Buck Moth Caterpillar. 3: Oleander.