Journal of Chemical Ecology 29(3): 589-601. White Admiral Caterpillar (Limenitis arthemis). Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. larva. Mayfield Publishing Company. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The flightless females remain on their cocoons and release a sex pheromone to attract males. A few species are known to sting, which can cause mild skin irritations, but none contain venom that may be harmful to people. Castor beans, rosary beans and rosary peas all cause similar symptoms, according to the Florida Poison Control Center. The wings of female pupae reach only slightly beyond the anterior margin of the fourth abdominal segment while those of male pupae extend nearly to the posterior margin of the segment (Mosher 1916). However, there are techniques a homeowner can use to decrease the pressure by the Household Casebearer. An Io moth caterpillar has an identifiable green body, tufts of urticating spines, and a colorful red and white stripe running the length of its body just above its legs. The protruding spikes on the zebra longwing caterpillar make it easy to identify. Its easy to identify an azalea caterpillar due to its rusty brown or orange oval head, black and green stripes, and brownish-orange tail end. A gulf fritillary caterpillar has distinctive spines poking out from a smooth orange body with a blackish stripe. Caterpillars and Moths. Figure 24. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. E.W. Be prepared to tell them which plant and which part of the plant was eaten, how much was consumed and whether there are any immediate symptoms. Saddleback caterpillars are brown on the front and back ends and the middle of the caterpillar is green with a brown oval (the border is usually bordered with white). Much of the older literature places the tussock moths in the family Liparidae and more recently in the . Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass. Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio glaucus). The stinging spines of this caterpillar contain poison that can cause a stinging sensation if you touch them. The green and black stripes and orange markings make the voracious larvae easy to spot on azaleas, rhododendrons, and apple trees. To identify the forester moth caterpillar, look for a bright yellow caterpillar with black markings along its back and sides. Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). The recognizable feature of an azalea caterpillar is its round orange head and tail section. Orgyia detrita (the fir tussock moth) is the most common of the species in Florida followed by Orgyia leucostigma (the whitemarked tussock moth) and finally Orgyia definita (the definite tussock moth), which is rare in Florida (Foltz 2004). Buck moths are members of the family Saturniidae, which includes other dangerous insects like the lonomia obliqua. It is also named puss moth caterpillar. Arnaud (1978, pp. 2011) have also been reported to attack the larvae up in the trees. The characteristic trait of the small cabbage loopers is the arching or looping movements they make when crawling on plants. The white-marked tussock caterpillar is one of the most unusually hairy caterpillars youll find in Florida. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars look like tomato hornworms. These large stinging caterpillars grow up to 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Common Bagworm Moth ( Psyche casta) Common bagworm moths are nocturnal and have a wingspan of 12 to 15 millimeters. The banded woolly bear caterpillar is a black and brown hairy caterpillar that is common in Florida. They are now classified in the subfamily Lymantriinae in the family Erebidae (Beadle & Leckie 2012). Large live oak tree defoliated by fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillars. The literature frequently describes the females as being wingless. Io moth caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants including hibiscus, elms, maples, wisteria, roses, azaleas, and willows. Pupae appear hairy and have patches of dorsal spatulate setae (vesicles of Mosher 1916) on abdominal segments 1-3. Common hosts in other parts of its range include oak, maple, hackberry, birch, and willow (Wagner 2005). For circulation or delivery issues, email Home_delivery . 670 pp. Also, large numbers of larvae blown onto small landscape trees may result in severe defoliation. Symptoms vary in severity to include burning or stinging, itching, redness, and inflammation. Second instar fir tussock moth larva (Orgyia detrita). Tussocks of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). The spiny oak slug caterpillar has a recognizable green body with three pairs of large spikes with black-tipped spines at the head and two similar horn-like spines at the rear. Puss Caterpillar/Southern Flannel Moth Megalopyge opercularis. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 12(1): 140. Figure 8. The Io moth, like many of the other saturniid moths, is less common now in parts of its range. Properties of a cytoplasmic-polyhedrosis virus from the white-marked tussock moth. The caterpillar is also mildly toxic to birds and other predators. Bagworms are identified by the bag-like structures measuring 0.4 to 6 (1 to 15 cm) long and made from tree foliage. To tell the two species apart, look at the markings on its side. Saddleback Caterpillar, University of Florida; Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Penn State Extension; Io Moth, University of Florida . To identify tent worms, look for blackish-brown worm-like caterpillars with blue, black, and yellow lines running lengthwise on their back with an irregular white pattern on each segment. Some exotic southern caterpillars have fleshy tentacle-like spikes that help with identification. The dark-colored caterpillar has fine hairs covering its body, giving it a velvety appearance. These caterpillars have two to four clusters of spines protruding from the rear of its body. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Southern Flannel Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis). Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina). Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) cocoon with egg mass covered with setae from females abdomen. This is a defensive characteristic of some caterpillars to scare off predators. There is conflicting information on whether this caterpillar stings. Next apply ice packs to reduce the stinging sensation and slather on a paste of baking soda and water. Additionally spines contain a toxin that can cause rashes of round, red, swelling welts that itch, and even tissue damage. Actually, they are brachypterous (short-winged) but cannot fly. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. 1960. In Florida, youll find this small, slender black and orange caterpillar munching through Passiflora plant foliage. Its spikes carry a high level of poison known to cause death. . To identify the redhumped caterpillar, look for its characteristic black and white stripes on a yellow body, black fleshy tentacles, and a band of red bumps around its thorax. The zebra longwing gets its poison from the pollen it . Once in your skin these hairs cause sudden or gradually building pain depending on the specific caterpillar. There is also a row of stinging spines around its abdomen. One of the unusual caterpillars youll find in Florida is the cecropia moth caterpillar. Mature female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa. The Florida cecropia moth caterpillar, is an easy-to-identify fat caterpillar that has pronounced segments with rows of blue and yellow fleshy bumps, black spikes, and several orange tubercles at its head. The dark form is more common, its black with tiny white dots while the light form is white with a reddish head. Medical attention may be necessary for more severe reactions. It has numerous common names, including southern flannel moth for its adult form, and puss caterpillar, asp, Italian asp, Fire caterpillar, woolly slug, opossum bug, [3] puss moth, tree asp, or asp caterpillar . According to the University of Florida, the four major stinging caterpillars found in Florida are the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar.. Every day, Florida poison centers receive calls about bites and stings from insects and spiders. This species is relatively common throughout South Africa and feeds on a wide variety of African plants. The large buck moth caterpillar is among the largest stinging caterpillars in Florida. Completed cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). A pipevine swallowtail caterpillar larva is easy to identify due to its black appearance, brightly-colored orange dots, and fleshy tentacle-like horns. Resident Joel Mathis told Orlando TV. Youll find these furry yellow caterpillars feeding on hickory, maples, birch, and oak leaves. Do venomous caterpillars sting? There is little doubt that Orgyia detrita and Orgyia definita also have many parasitoids. Io moth caterpillars grow up to 2.3 (6 cm) in length. (There are two other species of Orgyia moths in Florida, which look similar to O. leucostigma with the marshmallow looking tufts along the dorsal side.) Figure 22. Giant silkworm moth larvae and flannel moth caterpillars are specifically noted for their ability to cause a painful sting. Another unusual feature to identify the tiger swallowtail caterpillar is its defensive organ (osmeterium) on its head. The following wasp parasitoids of Orgyia definita and Orgyia leucostigma are recorded by Krombein et al. Orgyia leucostigma: Entire eastern U.S. and west to Minnesota and Texas (Ferguson 1978, Orgyia leucostigma entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Woolly Bear Caterpillars and their adult-form, Isabella Tiger Moths, are found in incredibly varied climates, even the Arctic! The caterpillar grows up to 2 (5 cm) long. The monarch caterpillar is easy to identify due to its black, yellow, and white stripes wrapping around its body. has been confirmed as a host in Florida, but other host plants are also likely (Heppner 2003). Its common name, "the Asp," is a reflection of the painful intensity of the stingthis is a caterpillar with the painful "bite" of a hornet. Red admiral caterpillars grow 1 (2.5 cm) long. Princeton, New Jersey. Males are difficult to distinguish, but fresh specimens of Orgyia leucostigma and Orgyia definita have a purplish tint that is lacking in Orgyia detrita. Identify the long-tailed skipper caterpillar by its black ball-like head, yellow markings on its body in the form of lines and dots, and orange prolegs. It is uncommon in the northern parts of its range. The milkweed tiger caterpillar is covered in tufts of colorful black, orange, yellow, and white hairs. 611 pp. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 72(3): 347-357. A few common hosts include oak, cherry, hackberry, and willow. Her expertise extends from weddings and animals to every pop culture moment in between. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The pine sawfly caterpillar is identified by its pale green body and black markings in rows along its sides and back. The identifiable traits of the polyphemus moth caterpillar are a bright green, almost translucent body and rows of bright red or silver spiny dots around its segments. Stings from this caterpillar are milder than the stings of other stinging caterpillars. Most common in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (Ferguson 1978, Orgyia definita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Allergic reactions are possible but not common. Most types of moths are only poisonous if they're consumed.. As the plump caterpillars devour plant leaves, they go through various stages called instars. + Figures. 1925. Cocoons & Pupae: Cocoons are constructed of silk and setae from the caterpillars. Mature bagworms can grow up to 1 (2.5 cm) long. Figure 28. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. It may be only an inch long, but you should still be sure to stay away from puss caterpillars in Florida. The cloudless sulphur caterpillar grows 1.6 to 1.8 (4 4.5 cm) in length. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company. Severity can vary for each individual. Additionally, they have metallic brown wings. Images of butterflies and moths are common in movies, art, jewelry, and fabrics. Plants they feed on include blueberries, corn, elms, oaks, apple, citrus, and asters. Mature puss caterpillars begin to spin their cocoons by making a thin framework of silk using their hair covering as support. Beneath those soft hairs are stiff spines attached to poison glands. If you're unfortunate enough to have a run in with a puss caterpillar, Florida Poison Information Center recommends putting Scotch tape over the affected area and "striping it off repeatedly to remove spines." The eight-spotted forester larva is an orange caterpillar with bands of white and black stripes around its body. Their fluffy "fur" actually hides small, sharp, spines that stick in your skin. The menacing stinging horns at either end of the caterpillar stand at 45. Identifying caterpillars in Florida can help to know which species of caterpillars are poisonous and which are harmless. Also called tent worms, forest tent caterpillars are easy to identify in spring and summer when they are active. After emerging from the pupa, the once spiky black caterpillar becomes a stunning black and red butterfly. The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar changes from brown to green and then yellowish-green. The parts of these caterpillars you want to be weary of are the yellow or green fleshy protrusions that are tipped in black and extend from the back of the caterpillar. it has a 2.8 to 3.9-inch wingspan and is the state butterfly of Florida. Some types of caterpillars are easy to identify because of where they feed. Meghan Overdeep has more than a decade of writing and editing experience for top publications. The identifiable features of the cecropia caterpillar are its large, ridge-like segments, blue and orange tubercles with black spikes, and a lime green body. Redrawn from Gilmer (1925) by Jane C. Medley, University of Florida. Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. Spines cause sudden stinging redness and swelling in the affected area. OHara JE, Wood DM. The zebra longwing caterpillar is a pale gray crawling insect with long black fleshy spikes often found in the southern United States. Henn T, Weinzierl R, Koehler PG. Castellanos I, Barbosa P, Caldas A. The long-tailed skipper caterpillar is a large green slug-like caterpillar with rings of yellow dots around its segments and lateral greenish-yellow green lines running the length of its back. Insects are very popular in human culture. A large infestation of bagworms can quickly defoliate trees. 2009. In addition, this small furry caterpillar has orangey spiny tufts on its back, tan-colored tufts along its sides, and a hairy brown body. It is also called the hairy caterpillar. The itch and welt could last up to a day, but it varies between individuals. Bagworms are unusual types of shiny black or dark brown caterpillars that are difficult to spot. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. The southern flannel caterpillar (or puss caterpillar) is a type of hairy caterpillar that causes a nasty sting if you handle it. Here are some mildly poisonous caterpillars that are best to be stayed away from.. American Dagger Moth Acronicta americana. The oleander caterpillar, Syntomeida epilais Walker, a bright orange caterpillar with tufts of long black hairs, is a common sight on oleanders in Florida and southern Georgia according to the UF/IFAS. Cecropia moth caterpillar grows around 4.5 (10 cm) long. Hossler EW.