Are ASP caterpillars poisonous?
Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), of the order Lepidoptera, are also known as asps. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against skin, venomous hairs become embedded. …
What does the asp caterpillar turn into?
Fun fact: Once the caterpillar turns into a flannel moth, he’s no longer venomous! The Texas asp is teardrop-shaped, and, with their long, silky hairs, resemble a tuft of cotton or fur. Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors.
Are ASP stings dangerous?
Their hairs are venomous and cause severe pain. It’s not common to get stung, but if you’ve ever known a victim of the sting, you know it’s a horrendous sensation.
How do I get rid of ASP caterpillars?
At the first sign of flannel moths or asp caterpillars spray all shrubs and trees in the area with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) or spinosad. Either one of these products will get rid of this pest.
What happens if you touch an ASP?
Through no fault of your own, simply by being in an area that the Texas Asp is found in, you can accidentally come into contact with this caterpillar. When it rubs your skin, its venomous spines stick into the dermal tissue, resulting in a severe rash or burning sensation.
What do I do if I get stung by a caterpillar?
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.
What is the life cycle of an asp caterpillar?
Life Cycle: The winter is spent in the cocoon or pupal stage. Adult moths emerge in late spring or early summer and lay eggs on host plant leaves. Tiny whitish fuzzy larvae hatch from eggs and develop through several stages or instars between molts over a period of several weeks before they pupate.
How painful is an ASP sting?
If you or your child comes into contact with an asp, you will likely feel the stinging sensation about five minutes after contact. It will feel intense and probably throb for some time. If the sting occurs on the arm, you may also feel pain in your armpit.
How long does a caterpillar sting last?
When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against a person’s skin, its venomous hairs are embedded, usually causing severe burning and a rash. Pain usually subsides in about an hour. Occasionally, the reaction is more severe, causing swelling, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
What does an asp caterpillar look like?
The Asp caterpillar, also known as the Puss caterpillar, is a very hairy caterpillar with fur that ranges in colour from white or pale blonde through to chesnut brown and a deep, slate gray.
What caterpillar is poisonous in Texas?
The asp is considered to be the most toxic caterpillar in the U.S. The most frequently reported caterpillar envenomation in Central Texas is by the puss caterpillar or “asp,” Megalopyge opercularis. This caterpillar is described by patients and physicians as inflicting intense radiating pain.
Which caterpillars are venomous?
The southern flannel moth is an attractive small moth that is best-known because of its larva , the puss caterpillar, which is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States.
What kind of caterpillars live in Texas?
The best known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis. In Texas these caterpillars are commonly known as “asps”.