Even a single saddleback caterpillar is dangerous
The saddleback caterpillar has a purplish-brown body with a purplish saddle shape on its green back. It is about an inch long and has poisonous spines on four large projections (tubercles) and many smaller ones that stick out from the sides of its body.
The saddleback caterpillar has a purplish-brown body with a purplish saddle shape on its green back. It is about an inch long and has poisonous spines on four large projections (tubercles) and many smaller ones that stick out from the sides of its body.
The poisonous spines are hollow and connected to underlying poison glands. A human contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that is usually as painful as a bee-sting.
Control measure
A person ‘stung’ by the poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area with soap to remove the spines. An ice pack will help reduce the swelling, while creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort. ‘Stinging’ caterpillars rarely occur in big numbers to be considered pests or even a problem, but people who attend to ornamental plants ought to learn to recognise them and avoid touching them.
The poisonous spines are hollow and connected to underlying poison glands. A human contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that is usually as painful as a bee-sting.
Control measure
A person ‘stung’ by the poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area with soap to remove the spines. An ice pack will help reduce the swelling, while creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort. ‘Stinging’ caterpillars rarely occur in big numbers to be considered pests or even a problem, but people who attend to ornamental plants ought to learn to recognise them and avoid touching them.