Orgyia detrita is univoltine (one generation per year) while the other two species are bivoltine in Florida (Foltz 2006). A mature imperial moth caterpillar is identified by its spiky appearance with hairs and spines covering its body. Expand Autoplay. Despite being a bizarre-looking green caterpillar, the large, plump caterpillar turns into one of Floridas most beautiful brown moths. Orgyia leucostigma was formerly placed in the genus Hemerocampa. You can spot this caterpillar feeding on milkweed and dogbane plants. The caterpillar has a flattened hairy body with nine pairs of strange-looking projections from its sides. Photographs by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Description [ edit] M. opercularis caterpillar on Kent Island, Maryland Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, many larvae spin their difficult-to-remove cocoons on outdoor furniture, stored boats, and the walls and soffits of our houses. The stinging spines are hollow, easily break off, and can embed deeply into skin. The black caterpillar with yellow spots that you describe sounds like a monarch caterpillar. Puss caterpillars feed on a variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs, and are most often found on oaks and citrus. Allergic reactions may occur and symptoms should be closely monitored. (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.) You will also notice a red and white stripe along each side. Cabbage looper caterpillars are identifiable by their thin lime-green or yellowish-green body and arching action when moving. Youll find tobacco hornworms feeding on tomato plants and other nightshade crops. Stinging Caterpillars - Poison Center Tampa These caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including oaks, dogwood, and apple. Petersen Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America. The pine sawfly caterpillar is identified by its pale green body and black markings in rows along its sides and back. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). Spines have a toxin gland at the base that is released when spines break off into the skin. However, there are techniques a homeowner can use to decrease the pressure by the Household Casebearer. After mating, the females lay a mass of eggs directly on the cocoon and cover them with a protective covering. However, they may occasionally be sufficiently numerous to completely defoliate large trees. Southern Flannel Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis). . Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. Caterpillars of this species feed on plants in the madder family, including pentas. 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.. Browntail moths are most common along Maine's coast . 1. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry health team, these . A banded woolly bear caterpillar is easy to identify due to the two black bands at its head and tail ends and a brown band around its middle. Some are more poisonous than others. "If you do see one, leaving them alone is the best thing to do," he added. Fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) cocoon with egg mass covered with setae from females abdomen. To identify the forester moth caterpillar, look for a bright yellow caterpillar with black markings along its back and sides. 1922. These caterpillars are covered in soft hairs that seem like fun to touch but fight the urge! To identify poisonous Florida caterpillars, look for a fuzzy body with stinging spines. The stinging spiny oak slug caterpillar has two orange bands along its back and circular green and white patterns. Weird venomous caterpillars that look like walking toupes are invading Males are difficult to distinguish, but fresh specimens of Orgyia leucostigma and Orgyia definita have a purplish tint that is lacking in Orgyia detrita. Figure 28. Look out for these hairy caterpillars in Florida. Here's why - WKMG Detrita also lacks the whitish tornal spot of leucostigma and definita (Ferguson 1978). These large caterpillars can reach 6.5 cm. Medina and Barbosa (2002) looked at predation of small and large Orgyia leucostigma larvae in a temperate forest and suggested that birds were the major predators of large larvae but most mortality of smaller larvae was probably due to failure to find a suitable host during ballooning dispersal and also possibly to predation by invertebrate predators in the leaf litter. Identification of the white admiral caterpillar is by its brownish-olive body with white, uneven blotches on its back and along its sides. The form that occurs from South Carolina to Texas is subspecies Orgyia leucostigma leucostigma (Godfrey 1987). Queen butterfly caterpillars grow 2 (5 cm) long. They are now classified in the subfamily Lymantriinae in the family Erebidae (Beadle & Leckie 2012). Among Floridas exotic and strange-looking caterpillars are fuzzy, striped, and unusual-looking horned caterpillars. Figure 6. Figure 26. Further Reading: Moth Life Cycle. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Division of Plant Industry. Oleander Caterpillar - Will It Sting? - Problem Solved Pest Control Gainesville, Florida. The southern flannel caterpillar (or puss caterpillar) is a type of hairy caterpillar that causes a nasty sting if you handle it. Actually, they are brachypterous (short-winged) but cannot fly. Early cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) before many setae are incorporated. After emerging from the pupa, the once spiky black caterpillar becomes a stunning black and red butterfly. OHara JE, Wood DM. Female whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) on egg mass. Ask IFAS: Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars - University of Florida Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) exhibiting pose typical of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Baculovirus) infection. Introduction and Catalog. American dagger moth caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. Goldman et al. American dagger Moth Caterpillar (Acronicta americana). New York, New York. They are a common sight in backyards all over Florida, and can even provide benefits to your garden. Florida is home to many types of caterpillars. Pictures of four poisonous caterpillars in Florida - Sun Sentinel Orgyia sp. Additionally, there are small clumps of green or orange spines along its back and body. Its instantly recognizable feature is the large eye markings on its head. One of the strangest green caterpillars youll find in Florida is the spicebush swallowtail larvae. Gainesville, Florida. If you suspect your cat has been bitten by a poisonous spider, get to the veterinarian right away. The southern flannel caterpillar also has the common name puss caterpillar because it looks like a Persian cat. Definite tussock moth (Orgyia definita) caterpillar (abdomen). Detrita and definita females cover their eggs with a secretion and then rub setae from their bodies onto the secretion to form a protective layer over the eggs. Orgyia detrita has two common color forms in Florida, a dark form and a light form. Definite tussock moth (Orgyia definita) caterpillar (front view). 9 Types of Caterpillars in Florida (Pictures) - The Critter Hideout Floridians recall being stung by puss caterpillars In 2018, a Florida teen described the sting as feeling like his wrist was "on fire." "It's burning," 15-year-old Logan Pergola told his mom, as a . Identify a tobacco hornworm by its fat green body with whitish diagonal stripes and tiny eye-like markings on its sides. Some types of caterpillars are easy to identify because of where they feed. By the second instar, the larvae are already recognizable because of their short hair pencils. In the event of a possible plant poisoning, call your physician, veterinarian or Florida Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). There are also stinging hairs on its four sets of prolegs. There are two puss caterpillar generations a year in Florida; one in spring and another in fall. When human skin or those of pets are exposed to these excretions, it results in allergic reactions and in other cases . ecology, identification and distribution of Caterpillars -- identification guide -- Discover Life. The tomato hornworm is around 4 (10 cm) in length from its large head to its horned tail. Young larvae eat holes in leaves. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars grow 2.7 (7 cm) long. It is distinctive because of its prominent hind wing eyespots. Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars grow 2 (5 cm) long. Adult Indian meal moths are about 8-10 mm in length and have a wingspan of 16-20 mm. The 14 poisonous caterpillars that we are going to discuss are: Puss Caterpillar Saddleback Caterpillar Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar Io Moth Caterpillar Bag Shelter Caterpillar Monarch Caterpillars Hag Moth Caterpillar Hickory Tussock Caterpillar Pine Processionary Caterpillar Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Stinging Rose Caterpillar Lonomia Obliqua The antennae of male pupae are longer and broader than those of females and the wings of male pupae are longer than those of female pupae. Polka-Dot Wasp Moth caterpillars (Syntomeida epilais) abound in Florida. These make the zebra longwing poisonous and foul-tasting to predators. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. The caterpillars white-spotted black body is covered in jagged tufts of spines. This is a defensive characteristic of some caterpillars to scare off predators. It is one of those moths that have been found in every continent except Antarctica. Queen Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus gilippus). Giant Leopard Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia). has been confirmed as a host in Florida, but other host plants are also likely (Heppner 2003). Tobacco hornworm caterpillars look like tomato hornworms. Puss caterpillars are 2.5 cm long and covered with gray to brown hairs that conceal its head and mouthparts. The caterpillars feed on poisonous plants, such as milkweed, and those poisons survive the caterpillar's pupation. You can identify the giant leopard caterpillar by its sharp black spine and red band around its body. Caterpillars reach maturity and wander in search of sites to spin their cocoons in early April in Florida. Health officials said the Orgyia leucostigma is also known as the white-marked tussock moth. The southern US is home to many species of tent caterpillars, including the forest tent caterpillar. 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. Host plants include oak and willow species. Youll also notice feathery spines on this striped Florida caterpillar. Are Moths Dangerous to Humans & Pets | Pestbugs Is This a Photograph of a Venomous 'Asp' Caterpillar? Here are some mildly poisonous caterpillars that are best to be stayed away from.. American Dagger Moth Acronicta americana. The unusual caterpillar has a light green and brown body with white blotches. The puss or asp caterpillar of the southern flannel moth is recognized as one of the most venomous species found in the U.S. and its sting . These large stinging caterpillars grow up to 2.5 (6.5 cm) long. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Finally, when its ready to pupate, the larvae can either be dark brown or dark green. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29(3): 589-601. Tobacco hornworms have a diagonal line, not the characteristic V-shape of the tomato hornworm. From its back this caterpillar has a tail that extends beyond its body. Saddleback caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including maples, hibiscus, palms, and crapemyrtle. Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar (Battus philenor). 2009. Poisonous caterpillars invade Florida - New York Daily News Giant leopard caterpillars grow up to 2 (5 cm) long. Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar (Citheronia regalis). The spicebush swallowtail caterpillar changes from brown to green and then yellowish-green. The sides of Orgyia leucostigma are light in color, similar to the light form of detrita. These small insects are one of the country's most venomous . When touched, the poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Beneath those soft hairs are stiff spines attached to poison glands. 134 pp. Used with permission. In addition, look for the four horns at the head and a tail at its rear. Foltz (personal communication) counted egg masses on cocoons and found that there were far less than the 50 percent that would be expected based on a 50:50 ratio of females to males obtained by laboratory rearings. A Truly Helpful Caterpillar Identification Chart - Animal Sake How to identify venomous caterpillars in Ohio - Farm and Dairy This black and gray caterpillar feeds on passionflower foliage that helps it develop toxic compounds. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Florida officials are warning about a potentially harmful caterpillar that may be lurking where your kids play during recess. However, beneath its hairy surface are poisonous barbs that pack a powerful sting, which can result in days and even weeks of pain. Names from Arnaud (1978) have been updated by OHara and Wood (2004) and OHara (2012). The giant leopard caterpillar has a fuzzy appearance, and its spiked body can be painful if the spines jag your skin. A stinging rose caterpillar has a yellow or red body with characteristic spiked horns on its back and a band of purple stripes. They get to be about 2 cm long and also have clusters of spines that surround the edge of the body. 8. Beadle D, Leckie S. 2012. Figure 30. The fuzzy caterpillars congregate en masse on apple trees, as well as willow, oak, elm, birch, and maple trees. Only the three species that are found in Florida will be discussed here. Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detrita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). Some bites cause localized reactions that turn into major wounds. The University of Florida says that some caterpillar species have stinging hairs called urticating hairs. Stings from this caterpillar are milder than the stings of other stinging caterpillars. Cabbage looper caterpillars grow up to 1.5 (4 cm). Top 14 Poisonous Caterpillars in the World - Animal Hype Pruritic (itching) dermatitis due to tussock moth caterpillars has been reported to be a problem at child day-care centers and elementary schools in Florida (Atrubin et al.