If you see the Hickory tussock moth caterpillar, it’s wise not to touch it! The tiny setae or “hairs” that form the tufts are barbed and can become imbedded into the skin. These can cause serious medical problems if transferred to eyes. There were stories circulating that these animals are venomous or poisonous. The more proper term is allergenic rather than venomous or poisonous. The pencils are connected to glands that will release this chemical if the caterpillar is touched. Most people who handle these creatures will experience an itchy rash. Washing the affected area with soap and water and applying a little calamine lotion is all that needs to be done in most cases. However, some people are very sensitive to this chemical and can have allergic reactions to it — in addition to the itchy rash, some could experience an allergy or asthma attack.
If you see the Hickory tussock moth caterpillar, it’s wise not to touch it! The tiny setae or “hairs” that form the tufts are barbed and can become imbedded into the skin. These can cause serious medical problems if transferred to eyes. There were stories circulating that these animals are venomous or poisonous. The more proper term is allergenic rather than venomous or poisonous. The pencils are connected to glands that will release this chemical if the caterpillar is touched. Most people who handle these creatures will experience an itchy rash. Washing the affected area with soap and water and applying a little calamine lotion is all that needs to be done in most cases. However, some people are very sensitive to this chemical and can have allergic reactions to it — in addition to the itchy rash, some could experience an allergy or asthma attack.
I try not to get “preachy” when talking about nature, but venom and poison are very different from one another. Poisons are activated when touched (poison ivy or poison dart frogs) or consumed (poisonous mushrooms and berries) while venoms are activated once injected through stingers or fangs (rattlesnakes, spiders, wasps and bees or scorpions).
It was interesting to read up on the Sycamore version- it can vary in color ranging from the creamy white I photographed to the bright white of the Hickory and the only way to tell the difference is location, location, location! The Sycamores can only be found amongst the trees of the same name- hence their name. Of course you probably know all this already, but it was fun to learn about it- especially since I'd seen the other type before.
September 27th, 2018
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
I try not to get “preachy” when talking about nature, but venom and poison are very different from one another. Poisons are activated when touched (poison ivy or poison dart frogs) or consumed (poisonous mushrooms and berries) while venoms are activated once injected through stingers or fangs (rattlesnakes, spiders, wasps and bees or scorpions).