I’m sure all hikers and trail maintainers have at some point run into the usual variety of stinging and biting insects while outdoors.  Y’know the ones I’m talking about – bees, wasps, spiders, fire ants.  But caterpillars?  Those fuzzy little balls we played with as a kid?  Poisonous?  Well, read on.

According to a University of Florida IFAS Extension document, Florida has four major "stinging" caterpillars - the puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, Io moth caterpillar and hag caterpillar.  Some less common ones also occur in various locations throughout the state.  Of course, these caterpillars do not really possess stingers, but they do have spines that are connected to poison glands.  Since the poison secreted is primarily a defense mechanism to help keep the caterpillar from being eaten by their predators, on contact most people will only suffer mild itching or burning.  But others folks more sensitive to the released toxins can experience severe allergic reaction and require medical assistance.

Photos of these and other “stinging” pests can be viewed at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG099

While many of these caterpillars are beautiful to behold, it’s best to keep hands off.