Beware! This 'cute' and hairy garden discovery could be dangerous
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A nature enthusiast had stumbled across a furry and colourful furry critter–they thought it was 'cute'–crawling across their finger.
It looked like how a caterpillar would probably go out in winter: wrapped in thick fur with bright yellow and black lines all across its minute back.
But what was it?
With their curiosity getting the better of them, the enthusiast posted a photo of the insect online–only to receive stern warnings such as ‘put it down’ and ‘don't touch’.
Turns out, it was a Tussock Moth Caterpillar, which can cause a 'severe' reaction in humans if it comes in contact with human skin. These caterpillars are commonly found in Australia and are easily recognisable by the four distinct tussocks of hair on their back.
Like some hairy and spiny caterpillars, the Tussock Moth species can cause rashes and itching in humans.
'We have quite a few hairy and spiny caterpillars that can cause severe dermatitis if handled. In fact the list is quite long and includes your tussock moth caterpillars,' Dr Roger Farrow, an insect and plant ecologist, said.
'In some species, there is a gland at the base of the spine that releases a toxin when the spine breaks off in the skin. This can cause a severe reaction,' he explained further.
But what about the tussock moth caterpillar? In them, 'it’s the mechanical discomfort of the barbed spine entering the skin that causes a rash and itching' Dr Farrow said.
So, if you come across a similar critter and want to avoid such a reaction, Dr Farrow’s advice is simple: 'The safest option is to avoid touching any hairy caterpillar.'
Associate Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Dr Darrell Kemp agrees, and stressed: 'They are best enjoyed at a distance.'
'I have experienced something like this, which amounted to an itchy/inflamed rash on my forearm lasting several days. Quite irritating,' Dr Kemp said, explaining that many hairy caterpillars have this effect on the skin.
The caterpillars’ hairy appearance is actually to scare off any predators–such as parasitoid wasps and/or ants that would seek to lay their eggs in the larva.
Moreover, the colourful features of the tussock caterpillar, such as the red spots, 'could also indicate that they are distasteful, or unpalatable to other predators such as birds', according to Dr Kemp.
So, while the ‘cute’ and hairy critter may look pleasant to look at from a distance–it’s best to keep that distance and admire it from afar because if touched, it could cause an itchy/inflamed rash or, worse, severe dermatitis.
How to Treat Rashes from Insect Contact
Firstly, don't panic! Many insect-induced rashes are irritating.
Gently clean the affected area with warm water, and soap if possible. This helps take off any remaining barbs that might have stuck on your skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard though, as you don't want to aggravate the rash further.
An ice pack can go a long way in reducing inflammation. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are simple pain relief medicines that can also be used if pain persists.
Moreover, oral antihistamine medicines or creams containing a mild corticosteroid can help treat itching. Discuss with your pharmacist or your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.
If the rash becomes worse over time, or if symptoms such as widespread redness or fever develop–it's time to take a trip to your healthcare provider. You may need a prescription medicine to help settle the swelling and treat any infection.
Have you seen a similar caterpillar in your area? And have you ever experienced the itch that comes with coming into contact with it? Let us know in the comments below!
It looked like how a caterpillar would probably go out in winter: wrapped in thick fur with bright yellow and black lines all across its minute back.
But what was it?
With their curiosity getting the better of them, the enthusiast posted a photo of the insect online–only to receive stern warnings such as ‘put it down’ and ‘don't touch’.
Turns out, it was a Tussock Moth Caterpillar, which can cause a 'severe' reaction in humans if it comes in contact with human skin. These caterpillars are commonly found in Australia and are easily recognisable by the four distinct tussocks of hair on their back.
This ‘cute’ caterpillar can cause a ‘severe’ reaction in humans if it comes in contact with human skin. Image source: Reddit (left), Freepik (right).
Like some hairy and spiny caterpillars, the Tussock Moth species can cause rashes and itching in humans.
'We have quite a few hairy and spiny caterpillars that can cause severe dermatitis if handled. In fact the list is quite long and includes your tussock moth caterpillars,' Dr Roger Farrow, an insect and plant ecologist, said.
'In some species, there is a gland at the base of the spine that releases a toxin when the spine breaks off in the skin. This can cause a severe reaction,' he explained further.
But what about the tussock moth caterpillar? In them, 'it’s the mechanical discomfort of the barbed spine entering the skin that causes a rash and itching' Dr Farrow said.
So, if you come across a similar critter and want to avoid such a reaction, Dr Farrow’s advice is simple: 'The safest option is to avoid touching any hairy caterpillar.'
Associate Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Dr Darrell Kemp agrees, and stressed: 'They are best enjoyed at a distance.'
'I have experienced something like this, which amounted to an itchy/inflamed rash on my forearm lasting several days. Quite irritating,' Dr Kemp said, explaining that many hairy caterpillars have this effect on the skin.
The caterpillars’ hairy appearance is actually to scare off any predators–such as parasitoid wasps and/or ants that would seek to lay their eggs in the larva.
Moreover, the colourful features of the tussock caterpillar, such as the red spots, 'could also indicate that they are distasteful, or unpalatable to other predators such as birds', according to Dr Kemp.
So, while the ‘cute’ and hairy critter may look pleasant to look at from a distance–it’s best to keep that distance and admire it from afar because if touched, it could cause an itchy/inflamed rash or, worse, severe dermatitis.
How to Treat Rashes from Insect Contact
Firstly, don't panic! Many insect-induced rashes are irritating.
Gently clean the affected area with warm water, and soap if possible. This helps take off any remaining barbs that might have stuck on your skin. Be careful not to scrub too hard though, as you don't want to aggravate the rash further.
An ice pack can go a long way in reducing inflammation. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are simple pain relief medicines that can also be used if pain persists.
Moreover, oral antihistamine medicines or creams containing a mild corticosteroid can help treat itching. Discuss with your pharmacist or your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.
If the rash becomes worse over time, or if symptoms such as widespread redness or fever develop–it's time to take a trip to your healthcare provider. You may need a prescription medicine to help settle the swelling and treat any infection.
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