PLEASE read if you have children or know children!

13

Replies

  • ren_ascent
    ren_ascent Posts: 432 Member
    Do mean these guys?

    terri-woolly-caterpillar.jpg

    No - this http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/nature/news-ten-creepy-and-colorful-caterpillar-hazardous-human-health?image=4
    All I got from that was the writer doesn't know the difference between poisonous and venomous.

    Seriously? LOL Poison vs Venom

    The terms poison and venom are often used interchangeably, but they actually have very different meanings. It is the delivery method that distinguishes one from the other.

    Poison is absorbed or ingested; a poisonous animal can only deliver toxic chemicals if another animal touches or eats it.

    Venom, on the other hand, is always injected. Every venomous animal has a mechanism to inject toxins directly into another animal. Stab with tails. Slash with spines. Pierce with fangs. Spike with spurs. Shoot with harpoons. Chew with teeth.

    For example, frogs are usually poisonous while snakes are usually venomous.

    So, what were you confused about?
    "The Puss Caterpillar or woolly slug is the most poisonous caterpillar in the USA. This little monster will spit acid at any ‘attacker’ and is loaded with poisonous spines all over its body that cause extreme reactions on contact with human skin. Because these creatures can be mistaken for cotton balls as they are quite striking in appearance, people rashly pick them up and really suffer for it. This creepy crawler likes citrus trees, elms, oaks and many different garden plants, so do keep your eyes peeled."

    That part. Right there in the definition you provided:
    Spike with spurs.

    You're correct. The author of the article was wrong.

    Thread hijacker.
  • ChaoticMiNd
    ChaoticMiNd Posts: 247 Member
    OMG I've heard about those things...we just moved to Ocala...how scary thanks for the heads up!
  • Mia_RagazzaTosta
    Mia_RagazzaTosta Posts: 4,885 Member
    Do you mean these guys?

    terri-woolly-caterpillar.jpg

    That's a Woolly Bear! The bigger the brown stripe in the middle the nicer the winter will be. I think this guy is telling us to watch out.

    Lol, my daughter told me my dad caught a grizzly bear this weekend, but was really talking about one of these.
  • slmakar
    slmakar Posts: 7
    There are treatment options if you do get stung. I don't know if the OP tried any of these, but they do help make the pain bearable.

    In this order:
    1. use tape to pull out any spines stuck in the skin. Think waxing.
    2. ice, lots of ice. This should be a given, because almost any time you have hot, red swelling, you should be applying ice.
    3. benedryl. Basically it's an allergic reaction, so treat the reaction.
  • LavenderBouquet
    LavenderBouquet Posts: 736 Member
    To reference this in terms that Trekkies can understand, this little ba$tard looks like a tribble with a tail.

    QFT!
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    You just want us to be aware of this one because it got to you.

    Correct.

    Well then, let me also warn everyone of the horror that is the scorpion. Also prevalent in the south, these little *kitten* will make you feel like you are dying or wish to die just to make the pain and sickness stop. The sting feels like being slapped by metal, subsequently to be followed by immediate and rapid swelling, itchiness, and pain. Within hours, you will run a high fever with a headache. This will be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting. You may not know where you are or have any idea how you came to feel this way. Scorpions are dangerous and deadly and EVERYWHERE in the south so please please please be careful and watch out for them.

    How many people here were aware that scorpions can sting and it hurts?
    EVERYONE.

    I'd be willing to bet cash money that a large number of people were unaware that this cute little cuddly critter was a poisonous venomous hellbeast from realms beyond.

    Thanks though for the heads up that scorpions can hurt.
  • ThePlight
    ThePlight Posts: 3,593 Member
    I think even adults need to be informed about this. I know a few grown men that like to play with random bugs. Thanks for this post.
  • xombiebite
    xombiebite Posts: 276 Member
    Do you mean these guys?

    terri-woolly-caterpillar.jpg

    NO! those are wooly bear caterpillars and i love them <3
  • ZoeLifts
    ZoeLifts Posts: 10,347 Member
    You just want us to be aware of this one because it got to you.

    Correct.

    Well then, let me also warn everyone of the horror that is the scorpion. Also prevalent in the south, these little *kitten* will make you feel like you are dying or wish to die just to make the pain and sickness stop. The sting feels like being slapped by metal, subsequently to be followed by immediate and rapid swelling, itchiness, and pain. Within hours, you will run a high fever with a headache. This will be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting. You may not know where you are or have any idea how you came to feel this way. Scorpions are dangerous and deadly and EVERYWHERE in the south so please please please be careful and watch out for them.

    How many people here were aware that scorpions can sting and it hurts?
    EVERYONE.

    I'd be willing to bet cash money that a large number of people were unaware that this cute little cuddly critter was a poisonous venomous hellbeast from realms beyond.

    Thanks though for the heads up that scorpions can hurt.

    I have never seen or heard of the type of caterpillar the OP is referencing (I'll put a pic below, if anyone is curious, because I certainly was) and am glad she shared because I had no idea. I grew up playing with different caterpillars and never thought of any of them as being potentially harmful, and since I live where these things can pop up, I am grateful to now be aware of them.

    I was, however, aware of the scorpion, which is the opposite of fluffy and touchable seeming, and have never desired to be around one to experience it. Sorry for your experience Husky, but I totally don't get your reaction to the OP's topic to spread awareness.

    tumblr_lhtw938wbX1qeeqk5o1_500.jpg
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    You just want us to be aware of this one because it got to you.

    Correct.

    Well then, let me also warn everyone of the horror that is the scorpion. Also prevalent in the south, these little *kitten* will make you feel like you are dying or wish to die just to make the pain and sickness stop. The sting feels like being slapped by metal, subsequently to be followed by immediate and rapid swelling, itchiness, and pain. Within hours, you will run a high fever with a headache. This will be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting. You may not know where you are or have any idea how you came to feel this way. Scorpions are dangerous and deadly and EVERYWHERE in the south so please please please be careful and watch out for them.

    How many people here were aware that scorpions can sting and it hurts?
    EVERYONE.

    I'd be willing to bet cash money that a large number of people were unaware that this cute little cuddly critter was a poisonous venomous hellbeast from realms beyond.

    Thanks though for the heads up that scorpions can hurt.

    I have never seen or heard of the type of caterpillar the OP is referencing (I'll put a pic below, if anyone is curious, because I certainly was) and am glad she shared because I had no idea. I grew up playing with different caterpillars and never thought of any of them as being potentially harmful, and since I live where these things can pop up, I am grateful to now be aware of them.

    I was, however, aware of the scorpion, which is the opposite of fluffy and touchable seeming, and have never desired to be around one to experience it. Sorry for your experience Husky, but I totally don't get your reaction to the OP's topic to spread awareness.

    tumblr_lhtw938wbX1qeeqk5o1_500.jpg

    Yes. Comparing the two pictures makes it obvious which one children ... or anyone would be more likely to try to touch and think is totally a safe and loveable thing
    post-13823-Scorpions-are-nature-s-way-of-yfGh.jpeg
  • redladywitch
    redladywitch Posts: 799 Member
    I'm not going to teach my children and grandchildren to be afraid of all insects, etc. However, I will help them to avoid the ones that will cause harm. Education is a good thing.
  • mbcgwen
    mbcgwen Posts: 2 Member
    Very interesting. I'm interested in how you were able to positively ID the caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) as the culprit? Did you take a photo (or the actual specimen) with you to the hospital where you were treated?

    This sounds like a pretty severe reaction. If you're still having symptoms a day later, or if you haven't yet had medical treatment, you should do so as soon as possible.

    Here's some first aid info: http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/puss-caterpillar-stings-topic-overview
  • VelvetMorning
    VelvetMorning Posts: 398 Member
    I lived in Florida for most of my life and can attest to these bad boys. I was ALWAYS shuffled away from them when I was younger. Regardless of how she identified it -- that's the bugger we're told to leave be when we're kids down here. They are ALL OVER state parks. You have to watch when you're holding onto the posts to go up/down things that you aren't laying your hand on one.
  • bedot
    bedot Posts: 86 Member
    My Mother told me that when I was about 3 or 4 years old she had given one of them to me to pet as well and immediately broke out in a rash. Spread from the palm of my hand to my elbow. Luckily that was all that happened, but yes these little fuzzy things are dangerous!! So sorry that happened to you...scary!
  • Myhaloslipped
    Myhaloslipped Posts: 4,317 Member
    Wow! I don't have kids, but I hope to some day. This is scary, because I grew up in a Georgia, which is close to Florida. I played with caterpillars ALL OF THE TIME as a child. Yikes!
  • Sovictorrious
    Sovictorrious Posts: 770 Member
    But it's a very hungry caterpillar!
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    You just want us to be aware of this one because it got to you.

    Correct.

    Well then, let me also warn everyone of the horror that is the scorpion. Also prevalent in the south, these little *kitten* will make you feel like you are dying or wish to die just to make the pain and sickness stop. The sting feels like being slapped by metal, subsequently to be followed by immediate and rapid swelling, itchiness, and pain. Within hours, you will run a high fever with a headache. This will be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting. You may not know where you are or have any idea how you came to feel this way. Scorpions are dangerous and deadly and EVERYWHERE in the south so please please please be careful and watch out for them.

    How many people here were aware that scorpions can sting and it hurts?
    EVERYONE.

    I'd be willing to bet cash money that a large number of people were unaware that this cute little cuddly critter was a poisonous venomous hellbeast from realms beyond.

    Thanks though for the heads up that scorpions can hurt.

    Yeah, well I never saw the scorpion that stung me and since my mom found them in her bed and clothing (stung 7 different times) I feel it equally point out that there all kinds of scary " monsters" in the world.
  • graceire
    graceire Posts: 323 Member
    My father just moved to central Florida. I've never heard of these and appreciate the heads up for when I go to visit him!
  • egh1974
    egh1974 Posts: 147
    I lived in Florida for most of my life and can attest to these bad boys. I was ALWAYS shuffled away from them when I was younger. Regardless of how she identified it -- that's the bugger we're told to leave be when we're kids down here. They are ALL OVER state parks. You have to watch when you're holding onto the posts to go up/down things that you aren't laying your hand on one.

    Hi Velvet,
    Yes I took a photo of it. Unfortunately I suck at posting pics here in the threads :)
  • egh1974
    egh1974 Posts: 147
    You just want us to be aware of this one because it got to you.

    Correct.

    Well then, let me also warn everyone of the horror that is the scorpion. Also prevalent in the south, these little *kitten* will make you feel like you are dying or wish to die just to make the pain and sickness stop. The sting feels like being slapped by metal, subsequently to be followed by immediate and rapid swelling, itchiness, and pain. Within hours, you will run a high fever with a headache. This will be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting. You may not know where you are or have any idea how you came to feel this way. Scorpions are dangerous and deadly and EVERYWHERE in the south so please please please be careful and watch out for them.

    How many people here were aware that scorpions can sting and it hurts?
    EVERYONE.

    I'd be willing to bet cash money that a large number of people were unaware that this cute little cuddly critter was a poisonous venomous hellbeast from realms beyond.

    Thanks though for the heads up that scorpions can hurt.

    I have never seen or heard of the type of caterpillar the OP is referencing (I'll put a pic below, if anyone is curious, because I certainly was) and am glad she shared because I had no idea. I grew up playing with different caterpillars and never thought of any of them as being potentially harmful, and since I live where these things can pop up, I am grateful to now be aware of them.

    I was, however, aware of the scorpion, which is the opposite of fluffy and touchable seeming, and have never desired to be around one to experience it. Sorry for your experience Husky, but I totally don't get your reaction to the OP's topic to spread awareness.

    tumblr_lhtw938wbX1qeeqk5o1_500.jpg

    Yes. Comparing the two pictures makes it obvious which one children ... or anyone would be more likely to try to touch and think is totally a safe and loveable thing
    post-13823-Scorpions-are-nature-s-way-of-yfGh.jpeg

    THANK YOU
  • ThePlight
    ThePlight Posts: 3,593 Member

    Yes I took a photo of it. Unfortunately I suck at posting pics here in the threads :)

    If you can get the link to the picture, that would be perfect all in itself :)
  • egh1974
    egh1974 Posts: 147
    You just want us to be aware of this one because it got to you.

    Correct.

    Well then, let me also warn everyone of the horror that is the scorpion. Also prevalent in the south, these little *kitten* will make you feel like you are dying or wish to die just to make the pain and sickness stop. The sting feels like being slapped by metal, subsequently to be followed by immediate and rapid swelling, itchiness, and pain. Within hours, you will run a high fever with a headache. This will be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting. You may not know where you are or have any idea how you came to feel this way. Scorpions are dangerous and deadly and EVERYWHERE in the south so please please please be careful and watch out for them.

    How many people here were aware that scorpions can sting and it hurts?
    EVERYONE.

    I'd be willing to bet cash money that a large number of people were unaware that this cute little cuddly critter was a poisonous venomous hellbeast from realms beyond.

    Thanks though for the heads up that scorpions can hurt.

    I have never seen or heard of the type of caterpillar the OP is referencing (I'll put a pic below, if anyone is curious, because I certainly was) and am glad she shared because I had no idea. I grew up playing with different caterpillars and never thought of any of them as being potentially harmful, and since I live where these things can pop up, I am grateful to now be aware of them.

    I was, however, aware of the scorpion, which is the opposite of fluffy and touchable seeming, and have never desired to be around one to experience it. Sorry for your experience Husky, but I totally don't get your reaction to the OP's topic to spread awareness.

    tumblr_lhtw938wbX1qeeqk5o1_500.jpg

    Thank goodness there are still reasonable people out there!!!! That was my point, to raise awareness... Some folks just can't stand to be around others unless their story is bigger, worse, or whatever. I'm not trying to win any awards for best story - I just want everyone to be careful. I did a little more research and these little "furry monsters" are at their peak right now in October. YIKES

    Unfortunately there are some that will find a way to be combative in every situation. It's pretty funny when it's blatantly obvious lol :drinker:
  • ThePlight
    ThePlight Posts: 3,593 Member
    Ah, so that IS the one. Didn't look much like the photos I found on google, much more detailed. Perhaps I need to adjust my settings.
  • paintlisapurple
    paintlisapurple Posts: 982 Member
    Ewwwwwwwwww and thanks for the heads up. I hope that you are back to feeling 100%!
  • egh1974
    egh1974 Posts: 147
    1398422_10202062038054158_155254073_o_zpsfcb15f9a.jpg

    Finally I was able to post my pic :)
  • MysteriousMerlin
    MysteriousMerlin Posts: 2,270 Member
    Thank you! I'm in the midwest but I would totally pick up something like that. It's so cute! Gives me the creeps now...
  • sami_83
    sami_83 Posts: 161
    This makes me glad that I live in Australia, safe from dangerous creatures trying to kill me at every turn. Oh, wait...
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    It's excellent to point out, and I'm glad you feel better!

    But I'm surprised that you live in GA and haven't heard not to touch funny-looking caterpillars. That's exactly the advice we heard growing up in NC ;) :

    -- Funny-looking caterpillars are poisonous. Wooly worms aren't 'funny looking'. You have to keep up.
    -- Also poisonous are snakes with triangular-ish heads and/or rattles.
    -- And shiny black spiders, too.

    I think that probably covers it, unless we're talking inside the house or at the beach or the 'bee' sort of population...

    I've only been bitten by the shiny black spider (with the red spot, yeah), but I've been around probably thousands of them by now. Not bad odds! :D That was a bad day, certainly. I've heard awful (true) stories, too. I try to be more careful since then, and that's not always like me.

    I have a venomous caterpillar in my gardens each year myself. Not nearly as bad as the one that got you, but yeah, not something I touch with my skin! The birds don't eat them, either.

    Oh! And don't mess with fig trees/leaves unless you know you aren't allergic. That's one not many people hear nowadays, and it's still very good advice.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I don't think I've ever personally come across one. Thank you for the heads up. And for anyone else who might be scoffing:

    http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/puss-caterpillar-stings-topic-overview

    It's one bug, not indicative of all caterpillars, even if it is "for the children."

    When I was younger we'd play tag, and just sometimes one of us would use a handful of sand filled with fire ants to make a tag. Wub wub.

    ETA - Oh yeah, want to really get the wtf going in your brain? Check out the brown recluse. You usually won't see them, but if they ding you... hooooo boy.
  • meeper123
    meeper123 Posts: 3,347 Member
    Oh my i hope your ok!

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