Stinging Caterpillars
Forest Health Guide for Georgia Foresters
Written by Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission
Adapted for the web by the Bugwood Network
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Some common stinging caterpillars are the saddleback, tussock moth, puss moth, hag moth, Io moth, Isa moth and spiny oak slug (Figures 213-219). All feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs between March and September and are capable of causing severe reactions in certain people.
Figure 213 - Saddleback caterpillar
photo by Center for Disease Control Archives |
Figure 214 - Tussock moth caterpillar
photo by James Solomon |
Figure 215 - Puss caterpillar
photo by James Solomon |
Figure 216 - Hag moth caterpillar
photo by Jerry A. Payne, |
Figure 217 - Io moth caterpillar
photo by Center for Disease Control Archives |
Figure 218 - Isa moth caterpillar
photo by Beverly Sparks |
Figure 219 - Spiny oak slug caterpillar
photo by Jerry A. Payne |
The caterpillars are equipped with stinging spines located over their bodies. Each spine is connected to a poison gland that injects venom when touched. Children should be taught not to handle caterpillars unless they are recognized as harmless species. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants will prevent many brushes with these caterpillars while pruning trees and shrubbery or just taking a stroll through the woods.
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