If your concept of caterpillars is primarily based on reading Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a specific image likely comes to mind when you picture these many-legged insects. Not only does Carle’s titular caterpillar have a distinctive look, his insatiable appetite (and instant regret in the wake of a sweets binge) makes him one of the most relatable characters in literature, so it’s no wonder he sticks with us into adulthood.
But not all caterpillars are quite as endearing. In fact, some of them sting. It’s not their fault—it’s just what they do. But if you’re on the receiving end, it’s likely going to hurt, so you’ll want to avoid touching them. BobVila.com’s Stacey L. Nash recently provided several examples of stinging caterpillars to watch out for in your garden. Here’s what to watch out for.
The spiny oak slug is actually a caterpillar
This bright green slug, which is apparently actually a caterpillar, has a body made up of several lobes, all of which are covered in tiny, stinging hairs. The good news is that while they live in North America, they’re relatively rare. The bad news is that most people who come in contact with the spiny oak slug—which typically hangs out on the underside of a leaf—will experience its painful sting. And, according to Nash, “there’s a small percentage of people who have a more serious reaction to the sting and may require medical attention.”
Monkey slug caterpillars look like dead leaves
We’ll let Nash take this one:
The monkey slug caterpillar doesn’t look much like a caterpillar or a slug, really. In a way, it resembles a crumbled, dying leaf. Its tentacles and thick hair disguise the sharp spines that house its venom. Most people wouldn’t want to pick up this strange creature because of its odd, arachnid-like appearance, but the stinging spines seal the deal on avoiding this New England native.
White flannel moth caterpillars are pretty, but painful
This tri-colored guy is black, yellow, and red, and has tufts of long hair coming out of the yellow mounds that make up its body. While the long black hairs don’t sting, the short hairs covering the tufts do, Nash explains, noting you’re most likely to see a white flannel moth caterpillar in late summer, and they show up throughout southern, midwestern and eastern areas, of the U.S. These insects turn into adorably fuzzy moths, but steer clear of them prior to molting.
Stinging rose caterpillars are horny
Its name gives it away, but if you find one of these in your garden, it’s not going to be wearing a name tag. That’s why it’s important to know that stinging rose caterpillars are brightly colored (some combination of red, orange and yellow), striped, and horned. According to Nash, its bright colors are there to warn other creatures of their venom.
Flannel moth caterpillars are fluffy, but don’t be fooled
If your doctor tells you to fast before a blood test and you’re struggling to do so, take a look at a flannel moth caterpillar and you’ll be sorted. The flannel moth caterpillar is also known as the “puss caterpillar,” as well as by the nickname “the asp.” Its body is covered in poisonous spines, which are hidden by a cloud of fine, silky hairs.
“Once those spines pierce the skin, they cause a painful stinging rash that can last for several days,” Nash explains, noting that they’re found in Texas and a few other Southern states. The only consolation is that they’re relatively uncommon, and tend to reside in trees.
For more information and to see photos of these and other stinging caterpillars, direct your attention to Nash’s article.