Posted on 09/10/2022 1:25:00 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Central Florida residents are currently experiencing the return of the inch-long crawlers typically found on oak and elm trees. The caterpillars (also known as “asps”) are covered in furry-looking hair — which hide “extremely” toxic spines that stick to your skin, according to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
After a winter cocoon phase, the caterpillars will emerge as flannel moths — also known as southern flannel moths. Adults have wingspans around 1-1.5 inches long, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida says. Wing colors are usually yellow and black (front wings) and cream yellow on hid wings. Their thoraxes are typically orange.
While it’s best to leave them alone altogether, experts say if you do get stung, get the spines out of your skin as soon as possible using cellophane tape. Ice packs, oral antihistamine, and hydrocortisone cream can also be used to help with the pain.
(Excerpt) Read more at ktla.com ...
There is one similar caterpillar that was named after Donald Trump, back when he had more of a gold pompador.
I’ve known a few...
I was certain that these would be the by-product of monkeypox sex.
Subliminal message from LA; Florida is dangerous; Do not leave CA.
Except for that lady up north that got “allegedly” beheaded.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/woman-allegedly-beheaded-in-calif-street-identified-her-father-and-grandmother-speak-out/vi-AA11G9td?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds&category=foryou
Not nearly as dangerous as our future AI overlords.
Southern Flannel Moth: 
I’ve been stung. Hurts but manageable. Kind of like a dispersed wasp sting.
Agreed. We used to dare each other to pick them up as kids. Getting stung is not a guarantee, but it’s uncomfortable to be sure.
I was climbing a tree when I was a little kid and brushed the inside of my upper arm against one. That was 60 years ago and I still remember how bad it stung.
You don't know for sure, her head could have fallen off on it's own and an innocent man is getting wrongly smeared. We have to let the process play out to know the truth.
Yep. They Nasty.
We have them around the Marina. We stay away.
I see why they are called puss caterpillars.
If one of these got into a fight with a Murder Hornet, which one would win?
Saddleback caterpillar.
Didn't touch it on purpose, it was hiding under a leaf.
Bkmk caterpillar
Spray bottle...ammonia?
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