WTH. Florida scientists: Don't touch this bug

TAMPA (FOX 13) - As far as bugs go, caterpillars are usually pretty tame – except for one.

It's a fat, furry caterpillar that is popping up in trees across Florida, and it's known as the "puss caterpillar," or Megalopyge opercularis.

But whatever you do, do not touch this bug. Stay away from it, scientists say.

Its fur is actually covered in venom. Doctors from the University of Florida say the second you touch this caterpillar you feel instant, intense pain.

The pain is worse than a bee, jellyfish, or scorpion, and it can also cause vomiting and convulsions.

Doctors say be aware of them while working outdoors because they are known to fall out of trees.
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/26437401/florida-scientists-dont-touch-this-bug




I'm sorry. Ive been in FL all my life and never seen one of these. Have ya'll?

Probably brought here by illegals....

Sounds lovely.

Thanks for the heads-up.

TEOTWAWKI wrote:

Probably brought here by illegals....

Illegals without jobs and on the government teat.  (That'll get Jake interested, lol.)

its looks like something out of a science fiction movie

a mix breed between chubaka and the alien............................

I just read this in the news and was going to post it... you beat me to it, Chrissy. Crazy, huh??

The catapillars have been here for years, but NOT getting the benefits paid for by the taxpaying citizens..

LOL I dont think they smuggled them in their pants...I remember some fuzzy caterpillars that used to stink the hell out of you. You did not touch them but once...

hallmarkgrad wrote:

LOL  I dont think they smuggled them in their pants...I remember some fuzzy caterpillars that used to stink the hell out of you.  You did not touch them but once...

HG, that wasn't a caterpillar. that was the parental control undies of all the little girls back when you were little boy. Funny how our memories get tangled as we get older.