WE ALL know that bees, wasps, hornets and even some species of ant will sting to protect themselves or their nests 鈥� but caterpillars? That鈥檚 right, there is more to those furry, peaceful-looking creatures than meets the eye. Some of them are as treacherous as a poisonous snake.
One of the most lethal caterpillars emerges at this time of year in southern Brazil, hanging around on walls, leaves or tree trunks and often going unnoticed until March 鈥� unless, that is, someone brushes against it, or a curious child tries to stroke it. Then the caterpillar of the Lonomia obliqua, or giant silk moth 鈥� known locally as the taturana 鈥� fires up its defence mechanism. Tiny tubular hollow hairs or setae on its body pierce the trespasser鈥檚 skin and release poison.
What sort of havoc does the poison wreak? It contains an enzyme that destroys blood cells, protein structures and connective tissue. It can cause a range of reactions from itching to dermatitis, intestinal problems, brain haemorrhages, kidney failure and even death. The creatures have killed dozens of people in Brazil in recent years and injured many more. The severe haemorrhagic syndrome is now epidemic in southern Brazil, though a successful anti-venom has reduced the death rate from 1.7 per cent to 0.3 per cent of patients who get treatment. Brazilian researchers say the rise in the number of poisonings is due to deforestation, which has led to a loss of the caterpillar鈥檚 predators.
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鈥淭he poison can cause reactions from itching to kidney failure or even death鈥�
Where else should we look out for stinging caterpillars? Several species live in the southern US, and appear in spring or early summer. One of the most dangerous, the puss caterpillar, looks like an innocuous fluffy brown lump of thistledown. Many stinging caterpillars are as remarkable for their names as for their looks and behaviour. Australia has the billygoat plum, the Chinese junk and the bag shelter moth. In Kentucky you鈥檒l find the eastern tent caterpillar (above), which strikes from a distance: its setae break off as it moves around, floating in the air and irritating the eyes and skin of people who have been nowhere near it.
So what do you do if you get stung? Brushing the setae off will not work: you may spread them around, increasing the agony. The best strategy is to apply sticky tape to the rash and lift the setae away. Then apply ice to reduce the pain and swelling. If you鈥檙e stung by a taturana, get medical help quickly. Alternatively, avoid the stinging caterpillars鈥� home ranges until they turn into moths or butterflies, after which they become harmless.
