August 1996
SIZE: 2 inches (50 mm)
COLOR: The head, prolegs, and anal plate are reddish, but the rest of the body is black with small white spots.
DESCRIPTION: The buck moth caterpillar is usually found in early summer, mainly in June. It is often confused with spiny elm caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars which are also active at that time. Long branched spines and tufts of shorter spines cover the body.
HABITAT: The buck moth caterpillar is usually found on oak. But willow, hazelnut, cherry, and rose are also suitable host plants.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: The poisonous hairs or spines are hollow and connected to underlying poison glands. Contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting. The irritation can last for a day or two and may be accompanied by nausea during the first few hours. The site of contact reddens and swells much like a bee sting.
CONTROL: A person "stung" by a poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area to remove any insect hairs and poison that remain. An ice pack will help reduce swelling, and creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort and promote healing. Persons known to be sensitive to insect stings should consult a physician. Stinging caterpillars rarely occur in sufficient numbers to be considered plant pests, but people who work with ornamental plants should learn to recognize them and avoid touching them.
