The Puss Caterpillar, the most poisonous caterpillar in the United States, has been spotted by the Wrightsville Beach Landscaping crew! They are the larval form of the Southern Flannel Moth, but are also known as tree asps, asp caterpillars, or Trump’s Toupee caterpillars. Their silly name comes from their furry appearance, as many people think their “fur,” which are actually venomous spines, resemble the softness of a household cat’s fur. The “Trump’s Toupee” nickname is a result of some people comparing their appearance to Donald Trump’s hair.
Children are often injured after petting these dangerous caterpillars because they appear to be soft and harmless, but they also can fall from trees onto unsuspecting individuals. The sting which results from contact with the caterpillar’s venomous spines can be compared to a bee sting, but more painful. Reactions can be very severe, ranging from a burning sensation and swelling to nausea, headache, rashes, blisters, numbness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
The reaction to a sting usually depends on where you are stung and how many spines remain stuck in your skin. Because of this, it is recommended that the spines be removed by applying cellophane tape to the area and then ripping it away, hopefully removing the spines from the skin. If a sting is severe or a reaction occurs, it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
The Puss Caterpillar lives along the east coast from Florida to New Jersey, and are sometimes found in Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out for them in your yard and avoid them at all costs!
