You can identify luna moth caterpillars feeding on walnut, hickory, birch, and alder trees. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Apr 12, 2012 at 7:33 am. For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. Health officials said the Orgyia leucostigma is also known as the white-marked tussock moth. The fuzzy caterpillars congregate en masse on apple trees, as well as willow, oak, elm, birch, and maple trees. The Io moth caterpillar is a green stinging caterpillar that you can find in Florida. The black swallowtail caterpillar doesnt have any horns, spikes, or spines on its smooth body. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Close-up pictures of the zebra longwing show the pointed black spikes are covered in fine spines. The parts of these caterpillars you want to be weary of are the yellow or green fleshy protrusions that are tipped in black and extend from the back of the caterpillar. 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. 8 Black And Orange Caterpillars That Are Poisonous. The Moths of America North of Mexico Including Greenland. Taming an invasive plant that's 8 feet tall and poisonous is no small feat, especially if you're a tiny moth. Spiny oak caterpillars are 0.8 (2 cm) long. Completed cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). The polyphemus moth caterpillar is a type of green, silk-spinning caterpillar found in Florida. Heppner JB. 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 Redrawn from Gilmer (1925) by Jane C. Medley, University of Florida. Also called the bean leafroller, an identifying feature of the green caterpillar is its black or burgundy globular head and orange patterns at its tail. 1922. Additionally, you often find it feeding on hickory leaves in Florida. Queen Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus gilippus). Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar (Dionevanillae). These caterpillars do not possess stingers, but have spines (nettling hairs) that are connected to poison glands. These small insects are one of the country's most venomous . It is found in great abundance particularly in Florida, United States where it thrives in tropical habitats. Pupae appear hairy and have patches of dorsal spatulate setae (vesicles of Mosher 1916) on abdominal segments 1-3. They have dense yellow setae (short hairs covering the body) that are mildly poisonous. Figure 7. Moths and butterflies are potentially dangerous to people in one context: eating them. Figure 25. Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. Lyle Buss, senior biological scientist at the University of Florida, explained to Tampa Bay Times that most stings are harmless, only producing a rash. These projections have poisonous spines and the sting is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from eating them. Observations on the poisonous nature of the white-marked tussock-moth (. The redhumped caterpillar gets its name from the distinctive red humps on its black, yellow, and white striped body. It can be challenging to identify some Florida caterpillar species. This caterpillar is one of the largest moth larvae, and it turns into one of the biggest moths in the USthe regal moth. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. American dagger Moth Caterpillar (Acronicta americana). Grant GG, Slessor KN, Wei L, Abou-zaid MM. The spines have toxin glands at their base, the toxin is released when the spines make contact with skin. Moths are dangerous to pets and human beings since they contaminate human food and pet food. Cecropia moth caterpillar grows around 4.5 (10 cm) long. To identify the cloudless sulphur caterpillar, look for a green body with bluish-black dots, light yellowish short spines, and a yellow lateral band along its sides. Parasitoids: Larvae and pupae are killed by various parasitoids. Henn T, Weinzierl R, Koehler PG. On top of their irritating hairs, many stinging caterpillars also release a toxin on contact with the spines, which can add to the pain and may even be a health concern for some people. The spiny oak slug caterpillar is a colorful larva with jagged spikes around its body and four pairs of upward-pointing spiked orange horns. These make the zebra longwing poisonous and foul-tasting to predators. The identifying feature of this tussock caterpillar is tufts of spiny hairs covering its body. The evolving global epidemiology, syndromic classification, management, and prevention of caterpillar envenoming. For a detailed taxonomic history and synonyms, see Ferguson (1978). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. That reaction can include an itchy rash, vomiting, swollen glands and fever, according to the University of Michigan. ORLANDO, Fla. - The venomous puss caterpillars are popping up around Central Florida - and you'll want to keep your distance! Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars grow 2 (5 cm) long. E.W. The long-tailed skipper caterpillar is a large green slug-like caterpillar with rings of yellow dots around its segments and lateral greenish-yellow green lines running the length of its back. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 12(1): 140. Gilmer PM. Its common name, "the Asp," is a reflection of the painful intensity of the stingthis is a caterpillar with the painful "bite" of a hornet. Pathogens: Orgyia caterpillars are infected by nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (Baculovirus) (Cunningham 1972) and cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses (Cypovirus) (Hayashi and Bird 1968). The striped caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. Milkweed Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Euchaetes egle). When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The recognizable feature of an azalea caterpillar is its round orange head and tail section. The American dagger moth caterpillar is covered in yellow feathery spines with two pairs of long black spines on its back and a single black tuft of pencil-like hairs at its rear. Most calls to poison centers about insect and spider bites do not need emergency medical treatment and can be safely managed at home; exceptions include cases . Io moth caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants including hibiscus, elms, maples, wisteria, roses, azaleas, and willows. Youll also notice feathery spines on this striped Florida caterpillar. Tech & Science Insects Weird Animals Florida Venom Puss caterpillars, which have a painful, venomous sting, have been sighted in Central Florida. Symptoms can last anywhere from a day to over a week. Figure 21. *This species is not currently recorded from N.A. Identifying the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar is easy due to its large eyespots, black and blue dots, and a dark line along its side. Investigative studies of skin irritations from caterpillars. Predation of small and large. Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). north of Mexico (OHara 2012). Residents in Central Florida are warning others that the "Puss Caterpillars," often described as being. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. Figure 13. This horned caterpillar species has a pointed black projection at its tail end resembling a horn. The Zebra Longwing ( Heliconius charithonia) butterfly is easy to recognize by the zebra-like pattern on its wings. Larvae: Larvae are 1-1.5 inches in length. They are a common sight in backyards all over Florida, and can even provide benefits to your garden. Browntail moths are most common along Maine's coast . Their fluffy "fur" actually hides small, sharp, spines that stick in your skin. Beneath those soft hairs are stiff spines attached to poison glands. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. A comparative study of the poison apparatus of certain lepidopterous larvae. Puss caterpillars are 2.5 cm long and covered with gray to brown hairs that conceal its head and mouthparts. Tachinid puparium from Orgyia sp. Red Admiral Caterpillar (Vanessa atalanta). You will also notice feathery spines along the caterpillars sides. Tobacco hornworms have a diagonal line, not the characteristic V-shape of the tomato hornworm. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. The four major stinging caterpillars occurring in Florida are the Puss Caterpillar, Saddleback Caterpillar, IO Moth Caterpillar and Hag Caterpillar. Young children from Florida to North Carolina are reporting excruciating pain after coming into contact with the most venomous caterpillar in the U.S., the furry puss caterpillar ( Megalopyge . You will also notice two characteristic black long horns at the head end and two shorter horn-like tails. Under the fuzzy yellow hairs is a shiny black oval head. Common Bagworm Moth ( Psyche casta) Common bagworm moths are nocturnal and have a wingspan of 12 to 15 millimeters. Cecropia Moth Caterpillar (Hyalophora cecropia). As the jaggy-looking caterpillar develops, it gradually becomes grayish-brown with dark red or brown dots along its sides. 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Bagworms are identified by the bag-like structures measuring 0.4 to 6 (1 to 15 cm) long and made from tree foliage. It is one of those moths that have been found in every continent except Antarctica. The larval stage of the buck moth is covered in branched spines that deliver a powerful sting upon contact with a perceived enemy. Hairy forest tent caterpillars mature at 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. This black and gray caterpillar feeds on passionflower foliage that helps it develop toxic compounds. Furthermore, females stay in their protective cases. Figure 8. The queen butterfly caterpillar is a black and white striped caterpillar with yellow dots on its back and sides. They are native to the Caribbean and its range is across South America, Mexico and the Southeastern United States including Florida. Non-venomous caterpillars that cause skin irritation. The beautiful Io moth, Automeris io (Fabricius), is one of our most recognizable moths. A banded woolly bear caterpillar is easy to identify due to the two black bands at its head and tail ends and a brown band around its middle. Orgyia detrita has two common color forms in Florida, a dark form and a light form. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) rubbing setae from her abdomen onto her egg mass. Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. It is distinctive because of its prominent hind wing eyespots. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. OHara JE, Wood DM. Other features of the redhumped moth caterpillar are its cherry-red round head, soft horn-like growths, and light, feathery spines. 7 Poisonous Caterpillars in Florida (Venomous) by Critter Hideout Caterpillars are well known as the leaf-eating larva of various butterflies and moths. Yellow Florida Forester Moth Caterpillar (Zygaenidae). Figure 11. Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria). When human skin or those of pets are exposed to these excretions, it results in allergic reactions and in other cases . Figure 22. (1960) studied the histopathology of a sensitive person and reported perivascular concentrations of eosinophils and leucocytes beneath the irritated areas. Hairs in the cocoons retain their urticating capability for up to a year or longer. Identify a tobacco hornworm by its fat green body with whitish diagonal stripes and tiny eye-like markings on its sides. Definite tussock moth (Orgyia definita) caterpillar (front view). The white admiral caterpillar is a Florida caterpillar that looks like bird poop. Figure 17. Figure 5. Another unusual feature to identify the tiger swallowtail caterpillar is its defensive organ (osmeterium) on its head. Figure 6. Only the three species that are found in Florida will be discussed here. The spiny caterpillars can be yellow or orange-red and have a distinctive band of thin purple stripes along their back. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry health team, these . They induce drowsiness, abdominal . White-Marked Tussock Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma). Orgyia detrita (the fir tussock moth) is the most common of the species in Florida followed by Orgyia leucostigma (the whitemarked tussock moth) and finally Orgyia definita (the definite tussock moth), which is rare in Florida (Foltz 2004). The polyphemus moth caterpillar grows 3 to 4 (7.6 10 cm) long. Compared to other caterpillars, white admiral larvae have thick, spiny horns at their head. Most bugs and spiders native to Florida are not dangerous to people. Contact with the cocoons produces the same symptoms. Its easy to identify a hickory horned devil caterpillar due to its characteristic arched red and black horns, black spiny spikes, and bluish-green appearance. Identify a white-marked tussock caterpillar by a black body with black and white hairy spines, yellow bands along its back, and a bright cluster of red hairs at its head. These larvae are about 2 inches long. To identify the forester moth caterpillar, look for a bright yellow caterpillar with black markings along its back and sides. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) parasitized by wasps. Identification of the white admiral caterpillar is by its brownish-olive body with white, uneven blotches on its back and along its sides. 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. Giant leopard caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Figure 26. Plants they feed on include blueberries, corn, elms, oaks, apple, citrus, and asters. Spiny oak-slug caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oak, willow, and cherry species. Youll notice that the stripy caterpillar has six large fleshy tentaclestwo pairs near its head and two shorter horns at its tail end. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Spiny oak-slug caterpillars have a range of colors but can generally be identified by their oval, stout bodies, and their abundance of spiny protrusions. There is a humane way to get rid of cane toads. The sub-dorsal areas (sides) can be a dark gray as in Figures 1 and 2, or they can be light gray to light yellow as in Figure 3. From its back this caterpillar has a tail that extends beyond its body. it has a 2.8 to 3.9-inch wingspan and is the state butterfly of Florida. 2004. 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. 2011. Adult Indian meal moths are about 8-10 mm in length and have a wingspan of 16-20 mm. has been confirmed as a host in Florida, but other host plants are also likely (Heppner 2003). Redhumped Caterpillar (Schizura concinna). Therefore, its always best never to handle a buck moth caterpillar to avoid its painful sting. It is yellow-brown to purplish-black with many small white spots and a reddish head. Unlike other caterpillars in this list, Diprion pini is not from the moth or butterfly order Lepidoptera. As its name suggests, tomato hornworms gorge on tomato plant foliage. Depending on the species, caterpillars can have striped, dotted, or mottled patterns. Figure 15. The following wasp parasitoids of Orgyia definita and Orgyia leucostigma are recorded by Krombein et al. 1960. Atrubin D, Wansbrough L, Cruse K, Stanek D, Blackmore C. 2012. For circulation or delivery issues, email Home_delivery . Moths are incapable of biting, especially when adults, making them even less of a harm to humans. Figure 3. . Another defensive mechanism is its defensive organ osmeteriuma forked tongue-like structure that appears behind its head when threatened. . Males are difficult to distinguish, but fresh specimens of Orgyia leucostigma and Orgyia definita have a purplish tint that is lacking in Orgyia detrita. They are usually found in protected places - in furrows in bark, undersides of limbs, in tree cavities, under loose bark, and often under the soffits of buildings. The characteristic trait of this furry caterpillar is a wide rusty brown band around a black body. The egg stage is the overwintering stage for all three species. (There are two other species of Orgyia moths in Florida, which look similar to O. leucostigma with the marshmallow looking tufts along the dorsal side.) These insidious creatures spend the winter in cocoons and emerge twice a yearin the spring and fall. 2012, Atrubin & Granger 2006, Cruse et al. Identify the long-tailed skipper caterpillar by its black ball-like head, yellow markings on its body in the form of lines and dots, and orange prolegs. Knight HH. These large caterpillars can reach 6.5 cm. They are now classified in the subfamily Lymantriinae in the family Erebidae (Beadle & Leckie 2012). Among Floridas exotic and strange-looking caterpillars are fuzzy, striped, and unusual-looking horned caterpillars. The stinging rose moth caterpillar is a colorful venomous caterpillar found along the east coast from New York to Florida. The bella moth was eating the plant's poisonous seeds, which help it produce chemical defenses that make the moths and their eggs unpalatable to would-be predators. They might look cute and fuzzy, but don't let their innocuous appearance fool you. A gulf fritillary caterpillar has distinctive spines poking out from a smooth orange body with a blackish stripe. Hag caterpillars, or monkey slugs, come in shades of brown; they have stinging hairs in pairs of lateral curved spines that vary in length. Io moth caterpillars grow to be 6.5 cm long; they are pale green with a white and a red strip down the length of their bodies. Spines cause sudden stinging redness and swelling in the affected area. Goldman et al. A Richmond, Virginia, resident described. The skin can become red and swollen, and the symptoms can last between one and seven days. Tussock moth caterpillar Stings from this caterpillar are milder than the stings of other stinging caterpillars. Enantiomers of (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-ol: Sex pheromone components of. This species is relatively common throughout South Africa and feeds on a wide variety of African plants. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 34(1): 67-79. Used with permission. Although its hairy body looks soft, poisonous spines lurk underneath and can break off in your skin, causing severe pain. You can find red admiral caterpillars feeding on stinging nettle leaves. Princeton University Press. The banded woolly bear caterpillar is a black and brown hairy caterpillar that is common in Florida. The pine sawfly caterpillar is identified by its pale green body and black markings in rows along its sides and back. Do venomous caterpillars sting? Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. They get to be about 2 cm long and also have clusters of spines that surround the edge of the body. Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless. A few species are known to sting, which can cause mild skin irritations, but none contain venom that may be harmful to people. Figure 23. These large stinging caterpillars grow up to 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detrita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Just like the Red Lacewings caterpillars, the caterpillars of Zebra Longwing butterflies feed on passion vines which contain toxins. Mature female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa. Insects are very popular in human culture. When touched, the poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Severity can vary for each individual. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Feeding by the caterpillars usually has little impact . A Florida woman posted on Facebook that she was hospitalized after. Cabbage looper caterpillars grow up to 1.5 (4 cm). Allergic reactions are possible but not common. University of Florida. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 72(3): 347-357. The buck moth caterpillar also has a rounded shiny black head. Pictures of four poisonous caterpillars in Florida. Orgyia definita: Only willow (Salix sp.) Diaz JH. cocoons among foliage of ballmoss (Tillandsia recurvata). Journal of the Lepidopterists Society 65(4): 270-272. For example, many caterpillars only feed on specific types of shrubs, plants, or trees. These caterpillars have stinging hairs in a row along each side as well as some on their front and back ends. Images of butterflies and moths are common in movies, art, jewelry, and fabrics. Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar (Euclea delphinii). The cabbage looper is a green caterpillar common to Florida. However, there can be color variations, with some buck moth caterpillars appearing mostly white or brown. The stinging spines of this caterpillar contain poison that can cause a stinging sensation if you touch them. Eight-Spotted Forester Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata). It's always a good idea to take a physical sample or photos of the plant to . Additionally, it is called an asp caterpillar because the painful sting can be as excruciating as a snake bite. Despite its fearsome look, this green caterpillar is entirely harmless. Figure 18. The wings of female pupae reach only slightly beyond the anterior margin of the fourth abdominal segment while those of male pupae extend nearly to the posterior margin of the segment (Mosher 1916). This article is an identification guide to Floridas exotic, scary, stinging, horned, furry, and smooth-bodied caterpillars.