| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MsCwick |
Posted - Oct 27 2006 : 11:55:20 PM
Has anyone been stung by one of these? I know you'll ask what it looks like, and you will probably only know if you have been stung. I was stung something terribly and ended up in the ER. I'm going to post a few links and pics tomorrow for you girls to be on the lookout for them. They live on the underside of leaves. Please be careful and check back here for pics so you don't get hurt. It is the most poisonous caterpillar in the U.S., although the sting didn't draw blood, the toxins are 40% formic acid, so it still left a scar similar to that of a burn. I read stories on the net of people being unconcious withing 15 minutes, so please if you walk in the woods often, check back here tomorrow for more info and pics and what to do if you get stung. They didn't know what it was at the ER, so you know that was fun.
Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MsCwick |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 8:31:46 PM
Puss Caterpillar
SIZE: 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches (33mm)
COLOR: Tan to brown
DESCRIPTION: The Puss Caterpillar is completely covered with long, silken, brownish hairs. Hidden among the hairs are short, poisonous spines.
HABITAT: Often found on hackberry, elm, plum, sycamore, oak, rose, and wild cherry.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: The poisonous hairs or spins are hollow and connected to underlying poison glands. Contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting. The irritation can last for a day or two and may be accompanied by nausea during the first few hours. Usually the site of contact reddens and swells much like a bee sting.
CONTROL: A person "stung" by a poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area to remove any insect hairs and poison that remain. An ice pack will help reduce swelling, and creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort and promote healing. Persons known to be sensitive to insect stings should consult a physician. Stinging caterpillars rarely occur in sufficient numbers to be considered plant pests, but people who work with ornamental plants should learn to recognize them and avoid touching them.
INTERESTING FACTS: The plump caterpillar can retract its head so far into its body that it seems to disappear. When disturbed, the caterpillar extends whiplike filaments from each of the two fleshy hornlike projections at the tip of the abdomen and waves these filaments.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=puss+caterpillar&btnG=Google+Search <--- to see pics
This caterpillar sting will make the closets lymphnodes start hurting REALLY bad, like so bad you wish you could take them out with a spoon! I got stung on the inside of my arm where the elbow bends and my armpit glands were KILLING me. That was the main reason for going to the ER. they ended up giving me three antihistamines through and IV. Although I could have taken 4 benedryl and saved $$957!!! If you are stung, although the pain is more than you will want to handle, it is reccomended to remove the stingers which you cannot see by using some really sticky tape such as medical adhesive or ducttape.
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| Mumof3 |
Posted - Oct 28 2006 : 07:38:04 AM
Oh! Ouch!! I was stung by a saddleback caterpillar when I was pregnant with my daughter (18 years ago!) It got me on the wrist and I swelled up like a balloon. It itched and hurt and was not fun.
I hope that you can weather through this! Get better!!
Karin |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Oct 28 2006 : 07:20:32 AM
WOW thats creepy! Post some pics! Hope you feel better!
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
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