Painful sting of puss caterpillars returns to Florida

FOX 13 News ^ | Oct 17, 2018 | Natalia Verdina

[ETL]

SPRING HILL (FOX 13) - One of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States is found all across Florida. In the Bay Area, several people have reported seeing puss caterpillars in their backyards.

One Spring Hill man said he was stung by one a few days ago.

"It's definitely incapacitating," said Michael Dusk. "It feels extremely painful."

The Florida Poison Control Center reports receiving a fair amount of calls about caterpillar bites on a yearly basis.

"Great to look at, don't touch them," said Dr. Alfred Aleguas, the director of the Florida Poison Control Center in Tampa Bay.

Although bites from puss caterpillars can cause significant pain, experts said in most cases, an ER visit is not necessary.

"If you call us right away, we can tell you things to do to relieve a lot of the pain," said Aleguas, who added that removing the spines from the wound is a critical part of recovery. Related Headlines

Teen recovering after puss caterpillar sting Boy stung by venomous caterpillar Florida scientists: Don't touch this bug

A Riverview couple said they found three puss caterpillars behind their home.

They said they resisted the temptation to touch them and quickly removed them away from their pets.

"You just have to be aware that it's not a bug that you pick up," said Paula Lasswell. "And you should always not pick up caterpillars in Florida, but I think that that's an unusual one that looks like you want to touch it."

[Red Badger]

Stinging Caterpillars of the United States :

http://www.arkinspace.com/2011/05/stinging-caterpillars-of-united-states.html

[Tennessee Conservative]

I assume they ALL sting. I’m in S.E. TN and I think we have them here. A few years ago I was stung by some kind of caterpillar that sent me to the E.R. If I’m working around bushes, etc. now I wear long sleeves and pants.

[Hot Tabasco]

"If you call us right away, we can tell you things to do to relieve a lot of the pain,"

How about telling the news crew so that they can pass it on to the public in this article?

[DrewsMum]

I think those are apps. That’s what we call em in texas

[C19fan]

Some college should adopt that thing as a mascot. If Florida State is forced to give up its Seminole moniker it can adopt the Puss Caterpillars.

[Red Badger]

Since I was stung, I do too..........

[butlerweave]

What does it turn into ,a Vampire Bat ?

[ETL]

Is this thing from your link for real?

[cyclotic]

We were kicking the leaves around looking for a lost arrow, otherwise it would have probably not been in issue

[Red Badger]

Yep!......

[ETL]

[BenLurkin]

This kind of puss catapillar?

[blueunicorn6]

It’s a walking wash mitt!

[Sasparilla]

Was stung by one of those in Texas.it hurt horribly. I Was prescribed a darvon by my Dr. Slept straight 48 hours. Was still sore when I woke up.

[ETL]

[ETL]

Don't know if this one is related...

The Puss Moth Caterpillar

[Moonman62]

That’s a saddleback. When I was a kid I thought it looked neat, so I touched it. That’s how I still know the name to this day.

[Red Badger]

Nature is way more creative than Hollywood......................

[Red Badger]

I bet you’ve never touched another one.................

[ETL]

That’s a saddleback. When I was a kid I thought it looked neat, so I touched it. That’s how I still know the name to this day.

It looks like one of those long and low dog breeds wearing a sweater.