Dangerous Puss Caterpillar

[KeepingItReal]

This caterpillar shows up a couple times per year in Florida, very dangerous..

The puss caterpillar is the larval stage of a moth, Megalopyge opercularis. It is found on oaks, elms, citrus and a number of other trees, as well as on many garden plants such as roses and ivy. It can be found as far north as New Jersey, and on down into Mexico and even Central America.

Read more: Scientists warn us to stay away from the 'Puss' caterpillar (http://www.digitaljournal.com/science/scientists-are-warning-us-stay-away-from-the-puss-caterpillar/article/401816#ixzz3CmTBvrnX)

Florida scientists warn residents NOT to touch fluffy caterpillar whose fur hides poisonous spines that cause so much pain you may pass out

Scientists warn us to stay away from the 'Puss' caterpillar (http://www.digitaljournal.com/science/scientists-are-warning-us-stay-away-from-the-puss-caterpillar/article/401816)


More pictures on website below...

Florida scientist warn residents NOT to touch puss caterpillar | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2748588/Florida-scientist-warn-residents-NOT-touch-fluffy-caterpillar-fur-hides-poisonous-spines-cause-pain-people-pass-out.html)

[cattywampus]

Thank You for this valuable info.

I appreciate your efforts to keep us safe.

[jblum315]

I would not touch any caterpillar, even one that looks like a kitten. But children might. Thanks for the warning.

[butterfly sue]

There are 4 caterpillars to avoid in FL. All are moths. If you do not know what it is then do not touch it. Some caterpillars feel like they are stinging. Some people are less tolerant if them.

SP107/IN014: Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in014)

If the link doesn't work, do a search on Stinging Caterpillars in FL

[NIPAS K-9]

There are 4 caterpillars to avoid in FL. All are moths. If you do not know what it is then do not touch it. Some caterpillars feel like they are stinging. Some people are less tolerant if them.

SP107/IN014: Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in014)

If the link doesn't work, do a search on Stinging Caterpillars in FL
I didn't know that thanks, for your post.

[janmcn]

According to the local TV news, the sting of the puss caterpillar is worse than the sting of a jelly fish.

[graciegirl]

puss caterpillar sting - Bing Images (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=puss+caterpillar+sting&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=puss+c&sc=8-6&sp=2&sk=IM1#a)

[Aandjmassage]

Have not even see a Caterpillar in last 10 years good thing it not on a love bug.

[Pointer]

Yikes I didn't know this. Thank you.