Puss caterpillars are causing a lot of trouble for local people in Virginia. The residents have reported many spottings of the caterpillar near their residents.
The Puss Caterpillar is a hairy breed of Caterpillars, which can cause severe damage to a person. People living in Virginia have reported the sightings of the creature near their residents.
In addition to that, the state department of forestry has been sending out warnings to the people. The department has admitted that these caterpillars are the most venomous creature in the whole US.
The officials have been sending out the specifications of the creature; if anyone spots the creature, they can report it immediately to the officials.
The agency warns the citizens of Virginia by posting a Facebook post explaining that the Caterpillar’s hairs are venomous find, which can cause a painful reaction in the body.
What is a puss caterpillar?
Megalopyge Opercularis is a moth which is commonly known as the southern flannel moth. When this moth is in its Larvae stage, it is known as the Puss Caterpillar. The caterpillar is an inch long Larva, which has long, luxuriant hair like stings.
As the Caterpillar’s hairs give it a resemblance to a Persian cat, the scientist gave it the name, the puss caterpillar. There is a wide range of variety in the color of the caterpillars. The colors can vary from golden brown to dark charcoal Grey.
In addition to that, some caterpillars in their early stage of development may have curly fur that makes them look like a puffy cotton ball. The adult moth is also hairy and consists of orange hair on its body and black hair on its feet.
There have been multiple sightings of a hairy, venomous caterpillar in Virginiahttps://t.co/k83rDSl5ML
— CBS 58 News (@CBS58) October 9, 2020
Dangers and treatment
The spines of the puss caterpillar are the most dangerous and venomous in the whole US. The hairs on the Caterpillar’s surface may look like their soft, but actually, they are spines.
If a human touches the Puss Caterpillar’s hair, he or she can face immense pain, nausea, headache, abdominal distress, rashes, blisters, numbness, and even difficulty breathing.
Also, if the Venom from the spines is not treating within hours of coming in contact, it can create a life-threatening situation. This caterpillar has caused one such incident in Virginia.
Three weeks ago, Crystal Spindle Gaston, Virginia, reached the rear door outside her house, and that’s when she felt an immense pain shot through her right leg.
Right then and there, she saw 2 inches long hairy creature looking just like a cat.
After that, because of the immense pain and in the next moment, the woman was in the emergency room. The primary treatment of the sting involves the removal of the sting with the help of cellophane tape.
Some homemade remedies can negate the pain such as ice packs, an oral antihistamine, baking soda, hydrocortisone cream, and calamine lotion.
In conclusion, according to a 2010 study by the American Academy of dermatology, the puss caterpillar has the most severe stings. Officials are warning everyone to look out for the creature in their neighborhood.
Image courtesy of IrinaK/Shutterstock