Small, furry creatures with ‘painful sting’ emerge in South MS. Here’s what to know
Small, furry creatures with “one of the most painful stings” of any insect in the state are appearing across Mississippi, according to wildlife experts.
Puss caterpillars arrive every year around the spring and late summer in Mississippi.
Although they aren’t super common, their stings can be quite painful. Here’s what to know if you see one in South Mississippi.
Are puss moth caterpillars dangerous?
Puss moth caterpillars don’t attack, but can be dangerous because of their venom, even leading to hospitalization if stung, according to experts at the Mississippi State Extension.
Their stings can cause immediate, intense pain, swelling, itching, redness, restlessness and anxiety, nausea and vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, swollen glands and symptoms of shock, according to doctors at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York.
How to identify puss moth caterpillars
Puss moth caterpillars are very furry, and can reach about one inch in length, experts at the Mississippi State Extension said.
They typically have a pointed “tail” and a head appearing beneath the body, according to experts.
Puss moth caterpillars are typically found in Southern states like Mississippi, experts said. They are often found near plants, including oaks, hardwoods, fruit trees and shrubs, as that’s what they feed on.
What to do if you’re stung by a puss moth caterpillar
If you’re stung by a puss moth caterpillar, experts say you should remove the broken-off spines with cellophane tape or a commercial facial peel and call your doctor.
Are there other stinging caterpillars in MS?
Most caterpillars don’t sting, but Mississippi is home to several stinging caterpillars, according to wildlife experts. These are a few that can be found in the state, experts at the Mississippi State extension said:
- Buck moths
- Lo moths
- Saddleback caterpillars
- Stinging rose slug
- Crowned slugs
- Hag moths
