Saddleback Caterpillar - Acharia stimulea - BEWARE
by Carol Senske
Title
Saddleback Caterpillar - Acharia stimulea - BEWARE
Artist
Carol Senske
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This is not the best picture in the world but I want to make everyone is aware of the Saddleback Caterpillar which ranges throughout the eastern half of the USA. It would be my guess it can be found in the lower regions of Canada, too. They are pretty, one of the "slug" type caterpillars, and these spines are NO NONSENSE! If you come in contact with these spines, they will be sunk into your skin and they break off and inject venom. Remove the spines ASAP!!!!
If you are unfortunate enough to pull the stupid trick I did (reaching around a small tree to steady myself for taking a photo without looking at what might be on the back side), you could end up with many painful stings. They are medically significant and can cause a rash, even nausea, and a really miserable, painful hurting injury. Some people may experience the allergic reaction called anaphylaxis from the stings; swelling of the throat and other areas can cause breathing problems and require medical attention. Respect them - do not try to pick them up - do not come in contact with them:>)
Although this is a rotten experience, and painful, most stings are gone in about five hours. The first site listed below tells how to manage a sting and what kinds of caterpillars can be problematic.
the adult moth is average and flies at night - nothing to write home about.
Here is some info:
http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Caterpillar-Sting
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/medical/saddleback_caterpillar.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddleback_caterpillar
This is a word to the wise - be cautious and aware:>). This photo was taken today at approximately 5 PM East Coast Time in Green Lane, PA, USA.
Uploaded
October 12th, 2013
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Viewed 394 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/10/2024 at 9:20 AM
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Comments (8)
Sharon Burger
aww, I know you love nature but I have never dressed a caterpillar...lol, he's cute..v/f
Carol Senske replied:
What? You don't like his little coat after I spent hours sewing it? Then it took forever to get it on him! They're an amazing animal - really very handsome, just a little prickly:>) hahahahaha
Jaclyn Hughes Photography
Weird looking little buggers... a great capture. Glad you are ok from the sting.
Carol Senske replied:
Thanks for the well-wishes. They are strange and fascinating. We think of caterpillars are wonderful, friendly, and beautiful creatures that turn into lovely butterflies and moths:>) This caterpillar has weapons to defend itself - no squishy retreating critter he (or she)! Thanks for the visit and great comment!
Brian Chase
Nicely captured! Never seen one of these before. F/V5
Carol Senske replied:
LOL - hope you only see one and don't brush up against it if you are near it:>) they are cute, thought, aren't they.
Donna Kennedy
Such a cute little fella, love that jacket, amazing nature at it's best!...f/t/v
Carol Senske replied:
Hi, Donna:>) Thank you for this great comment anf the web support - very much appreciated! Nature never fails to hand us something new and interesting to learn about - this guy is just doing his best to make it to adulthood:>)
Nancy Kane Chapman
What a photo and story! Both so unexpected. This little caterpillar looks like she has a dog coat on for her morning walk...so funny, and yet dangerous! This really went well with my morning coffee.....f/v
Carol Senske replied:
I must say I feel no animus for the little guy - just surviving to pupae-hood and wearing really cool clothes! It is now the next morning and all pain is gone - itching a bit but none the worse for the experience and certainly wiser. Not as bad as the time I went dashing blindly into the woods to photograph a magnificent, not-before-seen-in-my-woods mushroom and as I stood taking pictures, I felt the ground vibrating beneath my feet! Uh oh - it was a Yellow Jacket nest. I paid for those pictures but am still here to tell the tale. LOL. Still, I forget to be cautious and am often excited by what I see:>). It's better that way. If folks are aware of this little caterpillar and the hurt they can inflict, people will leave them alone and just enjoy them where they sit. Thank you for your comment and V/F - made me smile over my coffee, too.
Doris Potter
Glad to know that.:-) We can't lose you!!
Carol Senske replied:
PS: I thought of you right away because of your wonderful attention to the moths in our world. I'll be looking to see if you find one in your mothy adventures:>)
Doris Potter
I think your photo is fantastic and the information is invaluable! Bravo!
Carol Senske replied:
Thanks:>) My hand is almost back to normal so the stings were not fatal - LOL!
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