Ten of the Worlds Rarest Species of Caterpillars and Where to…

Yes, caterpillars are insects. They are a juvenile form of a moth or a butterfly, and both are insects.

Their rare dietary habits persist when they become butterflies. Unlike most which drink nectar, adults of this carnivorous group drink the honeydew secretions of aphids and other sap-sucking insects, the same ones their larvae offspring will later eat.

• Rosy Marsh Moth Caterpillar.
• Moroccan Caterpillar.
• Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar.
• Death’s-head Hawkmoth Caterpillar.
• Large Heath Butterfly Caterpillar.
• Southern Flannel Moth Caterpillar.
• White-letter Hairstreak Caterpillar.
• Frosted Elfin Caterpillar.

In fact, nature is full of wild-looking caterpillars that can kill you, or at the very least seriously ruin your hike. A good number of caterpillars have developed defense tactics to ward off predators, such as venom-charged spines on their backs that hurt those who come too close.

Caterpillars of many species can cause irritation by their hollow body hairs that envenom or detach easily, or can be poisonous if ingested; however, prior to investigations into Lonomia caterpillars, it was not known that caterpillars could produce toxins which in sufficient quantities could kill a human being.

Buck Moth Caterpillar (Venomous) The first poisonous caterpillar in our list is Buck moth caterpillar. These caterpillars can be seen in most states of the Southeastern US. These harmful caterpillars have a black body with distinct white spots.

Peppermint, lavender, mugwort, and sage are the most potent plants that will repel garden caterpillars. Not to mention, these smell great and are easy to maintain. Plus, you can quickly incorporate them into many of your dishes.

It is thought that exposure to the creature’s tiny hairs, called setae, triggers an overactive immune response in some people. Touching a caterpillar can cause redness, swelling, itching, rash, welts, and small, fluid-filled sacs called vesicles. There may also be a burning or stinging sensation.

Caterpillars that are brightly colored, have spines or hairs are probably venomous and should not be touched. “If it is in a place where it can cause problems, clip off the leaf or use a stick to relocate it,” Ric Bessin, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, tells USA TODAY.

Saddleback caterpillars are covered with spiky brown spines that are venomous which can cause a bit of pain and swelling if they sting you. While a Saddleback Sting can’t kill you, there are some additional side effects from a sting is nausea.

This is the larva of Lonomia obliqua, a species of moth that lives in South America. It eats leaves and turns into a pretty brown moth. And it can kill you. The spines that cover the caterpillar’s body contain a devastating toxin that can cause internal bleeding, including bleeding into the brain.

Pesticides can be used to control caterpillars. The Maine Forest Service recommends contracting with a licensed pesticide applicator to control browntail moth. Products must be labeled for the site of treatment. Pesticide treatments should be done before the end of May.

Both physicians advise that a person stung should apply an ice pack, then a paste of baking soda and water, followed by hydrocortisone cream. “I also recommend an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl if the sting is severe, and Ibuprofen can be given orally if it is needed for pain,” says Dr. Kerut.

As you’ll see below, the Regal Moth starts life as one of the largest caterpillars in the world. Known as the Hickory Horned Devil, it sort of looks like something straight out of a nightmare.

Is it safe to touch a caterpillar? Most caterpillars are perfectly safe to handle. Painted lady and swallowtail caterpillars are common examples. Even the monarch butterfly caterpillar, though toxic if eaten, does nothing more than tickle you when held.

Many caterpillars have hairs or spines. In contact with human skin, they can cause pain, rashes, itching, burning, swelling, and blistering. Avoiding caterpillars is best. Remove spines by applying and removing tape to strip the irritating hairs and spines out of the skin.

One of the biggest reasons why a butterfly may not be moving is that it is sheltering in place during a storm to protect itself. Remember, butterflies are cold-blooded. If it gets too cold, they may not be able to move their muscles.