Caterpillars are amazing and strikingly beautiful creatures that are quite abundant across the planet, there are over 11,000 species of caterpillar found on the North American continent alone. Much to the surprise of many North American residents, there are poisonous, venomous and toxic caterpillars living there as well. Most people assume they need to travel to an exotic locale in order to come into contact with stinging or caustic caterpillar species. One of the most familiar types of caterpillar, that of the Monarch Butterfly, is actually extremely poisonous if ingested, thanks to the milkweed plants it feeds on throughout its larval stage. It also important to note the distinction between poisonous and venomous; poisonous refers to ingestion, while venomous creatures actively deliver toxins, typically through modified hairs on the body.The most dangerous caterpillar in the United States is the Puss Caterpillar, also known as the woolly slug, which has host a nasty defenses for anything unwary enough to touch it. The Puss Caterpillar will spew caustic acid upon contact and also has poison-filled spines for an added punch. Fortunately, most species advertise their unpleasantness or lethality through bright colors, extravagant displays and their seemingly disregard for predators while walking around in the open. Although, there are some that do not, so it is highly recommended that precise identification is obtained before touching or getting close to any one of them.Those living in tropical and equatorial locations have much more dangerous species to contend with and more of them, with the deadly Procession or Bag Shelter Caterpillars and the colorful Saddle Back as two prime examples. These animals can be particularly dangerous to children who are attracted by the bright colors and fluffy hairs, making identification a must for parents and kids alike. Some excellent resources for quick identification of various caterpillar species include ItsNature.org and BackYardNature.net, both offering excellent color photos and descriptions. There are also great local resources for each state, with the best being found at university websites. More reference links: environmentalgraffiti backyardnature.net
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:34:43 +0000
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