All about caterpillars. Green caterpillar. Types of harmful caterpillars

Once in my childhood, at my grandmother’s in the village, I saw an unusual caterpillar - a large, bright green one with orange horns. When I touched it with a twig, the caterpillar released its horns more strongly. I don’t know what kind of butterfly it turned out to be, but the caterpillar was very beautiful. Recently I remembered this episode from my childhood and tried to search the Internet for this caterpillar. Maybe I didn’t remember something so well, but I didn’t find one, but I did find many other interesting and unusual ones. By the way, most beautiful caterpillars the butterflies are quite inconspicuous...

Among the caterpillars there are simply stunningly beautiful specimens, but the bright coloring most often indicates that these creatures are poisonous. This provides them reliable protection from enemies, but people are curious and strive to hold these cuties in their hands. For example, a caterpillar eucleid butterflies (Sibine stimulea) looks funny: she seems to be wearing a green vest with a hole in the back. At both ends of the larva's body there are a pair of horn-like processes. On these processes there are many stinging hairs, touching which the offender will immediately be struck by poison. The sensations after contact with the eucleid caterpillar are very painful: the affected area swells, a rash and nausea appear. A person can remain in this state for several days. living in Northern and South America.

2. Sibine stimulation

Butterfly caterpillar dipper bear It resembles a zebra in color, only it is painted with black and orange stripes. These cute creatures have a truly brutal appetite, and they feed on plants of the ragus genus, most of which are poisonous. This type of butterfly was even specially distributed in New Zealand, Australia and North America to reduce the number of ragworts growing on the territory. Actually, thanks to this diet, caterpillars become poisonous

3. Ursa rosa

Newly hatched butterfly larva monarch so small that after hatching it can hardly be seen. True, it grows very quickly, feeding exclusively on plants of the genus cottonweed, the milky juice of which is poisonous. Thanks to this, the larvae also become poisonous and inedible for predators. Very soon the monarch danaid caterpillar reaches 5 centimeters in length, and their striped black, white and yellow coloring can already be clearly seen. By the way, the monarch is considered one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. One of the most famous butterflies in North America, in the 19th century representatives of this species were found in New Zealand and Australia. In Europe, they are common in the Canary Islands and Madeira; during migrations they are recorded in Russia, the Azores, Sweden and Spain, and are found in northern Africa.

4. Monarch.

Caterpillar gypsy moth has on its body, covered with an unimaginable number of hairs, five pairs of red and six pairs of blue spots. The hairs serve mainly for propagation - thanks to them, the larvae are easily picked up and carried by the wind.

However, if the hairs are touched, they will cause painful sensations and skin irritation. The gypsy moth is a real scourge of forest lands; maples, elms and oaks are especially often affected by the caterpillars. The gypsy moth is distributed throughout almost all of Europe, North Africa, temperate latitudes of Asia and North America, the southern regions of Central Asia.

5. Gypsy moth.

Butterfly caterpillar Parasa indetermina family of tearworms does not exceed 1 inch in length, and is colored with longitudinal stripes of orange, yellow and Brown, and a wide purple stripe runs down the back. On the body of the caterpillar there are five pairs of massive processes similar to horns, which are dotted with small hairs with black tips. Touching the larva causes a very unpleasant sensation, as the poisonous tips dig into the skin, causing a rash and itching. The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of dogwood, maple, oak, cherry, apple, poplar and hickory and lives in North and South America.

6. Parasa indetermina

Lophocampa caryae- a black and white caterpillar whose body is covered with many grayish-white hairs. However, these hairs do not pose any danger, since the larva’s weapon is two pairs of black spines located in the front and back of the body, each of which is connected to a poisonous gland. Upon contact with thorns, irritation and rash appear on human skin. These caterpillars are common in southern Canada and the northern regions of the United States and are found between June and September. The larvae live for approximately 8 weeks, feeding on hickory and walnut leaves.

7. Lophocampa caryae

Automeris.io- a very beautiful butterfly of the peacock-eye family, living in North America. Its caterpillar starts life orange, but as it ages it changes to bright green with two stripes of red and white on the sides of the body.

The entire surface of the larva's body is dotted with tufts of hairs, upon touching which the offender will be affected by two types of poison at once, causing severe pain, burning, and inflammation. This caterpillar feeds on the leaves of willow, maple, oak, elm, aspen, cherry and pear, and is found between February and September.

8.Automeris.io

Another representative of the slug family - Euclea delphinii. Its body, flattened at the top, does not exceed one inch in length, and is colored for the most part in green color, with two longitudinal orange-red stripes. Like other slugs, this caterpillar's weapon is poisonous spine-like hairs on the back of its body. Upon contact, they dig into the skin, and without medical care it will be difficult for the person. The species lives in the United States, feeding on the leaves of ash, oak, chestnut and some other trees.

9. Euclea delphinii

A few more caterpillars and their butterflies, which I found in the depths of the Internet))

Butterflies from the squad blueberries quite often found in Russia, including Siberia. These butterflies are quite small, but so cute, and the caterpillars are quite ordinary.

10. Cupido arjades

11. Lucaena dispar

Peacock eye- a butterfly that can also often be found in our area. It's a beautiful butterfly, and its caterpillar is also quite interesting.

12. Peacock eye.

Swallowtail considered one of the most beautiful butterflies in Europe ( perhaps I saw a similar caterpillar in childhood). In total, there are 550 species of this beautiful family in the world fauna, inhabiting the temperate zone of Asia, northern Africa, North America, throughout Europe (absent only in Ireland, and in England it lives only in the county of Norfolk). The swallowtail was once one of the most common butterflies in Europe, but is now a rare, declining species and is listed in the Red Book. The decline in the number of this beautiful butterfly is associated, first of all, with the change or complete destruction of its habitats through the use of pesticides and other toxic substances, as well as due to trapping.

13. Swallowtail sailboat

Ursa Caja (Arctia caja) distributed throughout Europe, as well as in Siberia, the Far East, Central and Asia Minor, China, Korea and Japan, and North America. Lives in gardens, wastelands and other open places.

14. Arctia caja

The silver hole (Phalera bucephala) is found in all countries of central and eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic states, the European part of Russia and Turkey.

15. Phalera bucephala

Small peacock eye, or Night Peacock's Eye (Saturnia pavonia). The wingspan of these butterflies is 50 - 70 mm. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: in females the background of the hind wings is gray, and in the male it is orange. The butterfly is distributed over most of Europe, Asia Minor, through the entire forest zone of Eurasia to Japan, in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Siberia, and the Far East. Inhabits heather heaths, as well as mountain, rocky steppes and deciduous forests.

16. Saturnia pavonia

Heliconid Julia (Dryas Julia) has a bright orange wing color; when at rest, it folds them and becomes like a dry leaf. Distributed in Central and South America. Occurs all year round, sometimes in large quantities.

17. Dryas Julia

Peacock-eye Atlas (Attacus atlas)- a butterfly from the Peacock-eye family is considered one of the largest butterflies in the world; wingspan up to 26 cm, females are noticeably larger than males. Found in tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, Southern China and from Thailand to Indonesia, Borneo, Java.

18.Attacs atlas.

Butterfly Heliconius melpomene belongs to the Heliconidae family; distributed over a vast area from Mexico to Brazil. Lives in humid forests, flies through copses, but avoids sunny places.

19. Heliconius melpomene

Junonia orithya (Nymphalida orithya); Its habitat is Africa, South and Southeast Asia, India, Australia.

20. Jinonia orithya

And a few more caterpillars...

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We all know firsthand that nature creates masterpieces that at first glance seem completely unusual and even partly cosmic. There are more than enough examples of this among representatives of the world's flora and fauna. In particular, toothed pato fish, water deer with fangs, bald cats, anteaters with huge trunks, California condors (birds that are impossible to look at without tears), drop fish, reminiscent of characters from a science fiction film with horror elements. The list of natural phenomena is endless.

Incredible species of caterpillars that exist side by side with humans

Today I would like to talk about which subsequently turns into a beautiful creature - a butterfly, at least this is written about in all encyclopedias about wildlife and the world around us. So, we will talk about caterpillars with horns and their features, which, judging by the name, should not be so few. Looking ahead, I would like to note that such caterpillars are characteristic of many species and they even pose a certain danger to smaller insects, and some to humans. But be that as it may, such representatives of the flora cause only delight in those who look at them, because they are incredibly beautiful and divinely beautiful.

An inhabitant of Russian latitudes, who is often mistaken for an alien

Of course, at the very beginning I would like to talk about those types of large green caterpillars with horns that live in our country. The most common larva of the hawk moth and all its subspecies. For example, linden hawk moth. Its larva is a fairly long caterpillar. Sometimes it reaches 10 cm in length. Its color, unlike other caterpillars with horns, is quite calm and not particularly attractive. Most often, this insect is light beige or light brown in color with a white abdomen, on which there are horny growths, which are nothing more than the rudiments of the insect’s legs. They are quite hard and tenacious to the touch; thanks to these properties, the caterpillar can easily move along tree trunks. In rare cases, larvae linden hawkmoth can be bright green or black with brown speckles. Whatever color There are caterpillars; they always have a sharp, hard spike on their tail, which many take for a horn, confusing the insect's head with its tail.

Ocellated Hawkmoth

Speaking about butterflies that hatch from the hawkmoth caterpillar pupa, it should be noted that all representatives of this family unusual insects are considered quite rare, and many of them are listed in the Red Book. Their extermination can have serious consequences and is punishable by law. For example, by the way, its larva is one of the most unusual: green in white stripe, located symmetrically relative to each other. This is a large green caterpillar with a horn on its tail that is pale blue in color. Speaking about the larva of the ocellated hawk moth, it must be said that the thorn of these insects is not at all for beauty, but for protection from annoying small brothers: ants and small bugs. It is something like a sting, which, like wasps, contains poison (acid) that affects the enemy. For humans, the “weapon” of the hawkmoth caterpillar does not pose any danger.

Dead Head

One more a prominent representative Hawkmoths living in Russia, which is worth mentioning separately, is the dead (Adam's) head butterfly. Her caterpillar is incredibly beautiful. It is large, bright green, monochromatic or with variegated spots scattered over the body. The spike on her tail is the same color as her coat. But a coal-black butterfly with bright brown spots hatches from such a miracle. At all, this type Its color resembles the king of the savannah - the leopard. The death's head hawk moth is, without a doubt, more beautiful than the kinglet and several times larger. Now, having encountered any of the larvae described above in your garden, the attentive reader should not have a question about what the caterpillar with a horn on its tail is called.

Poisonous caterpillars

There are not many representatives of horned caterpillars in our country, probably due to the harsh and cold climate, but on other continents, where it is warm almost all year round, there are plenty of such beauties. By the way, there is an opinion regarding the colors of insects that the brighter the color of the caterpillar, the more beautiful the butterfly will hatch from it. And also, if the larva is too beautiful, then you should definitely be wary of it. The striking color warns of the poisonous nature of the insect. At the very beginning of the conversation about foreign caterpillars with a horn on their tail, photos of which can be seen in the presented material, I would like to discuss the poisonous species.

The hoary caterpillar is a beauty that you should not touch

The most poisonous caterpillar in the world is simply extraordinarily beautiful: a brown head with pronounced light green “glasses” and body, and on its back a brown diamond shape reminiscent of a horse’s saddle. Of course, thanks to this attribute, this larva is called saddleback. On the head and tail of the poisonous caterpillar there are two impressive horns, completely covered with sharp spines. It is they who pose a huge danger to everyone who decides to touch an unearthly creature that enchants the eye. By the way, if you look at the hoary caterpillar from above, it is impossible to make out where its head is and where its tail is, since the poisonous insect looks absolutely symmetrical.

This miracle of nature lives in North America; it can be found mainly on deciduous trees. Just like the other caterpillars with a horn on their tail discussed above, this species contains poison in its appendage. However, if nothing happens when you touch the hawk moth, then when you touch the poisonous caterpillar, a person will feel discomfort, as if he had been stung by a bee. The consequences can be unpleasant: nausea, vomiting, headache and rash at the site of contact. Symptoms last up to two days.

The “scorching rose” does not grow in the garden, but eats it

Another beautiful caterpillar that lives overseas and poses a certain danger to people is the “stinging rose.” It received its name not for the single horn on a very small body (only 2.5 cm), but for the poisonous thorns abundantly located on it. If you touch it, you are guaranteed to experience serious skin irritation. Distinctive feature This green caterpillar with horns has longitudinal orange and black stripes, as well as bright red and yellow spots on the body. Looking at it, it becomes clear why scientists classify the most beautiful and unusual insects as especially dangerous.

The most beautiful caterpillar in the world

Since we have already examined the most poisonous caterpillar in the world, we would now like to contrast it with the most beautiful and harmless one - the monarch larva. It is worth saying that even the name of this large caterpillar with a horn speaks for itself. A truly royal creature immediately appears, enchanting with its beauty and pleasing to the eye. Its main color is white and, if not for the bright yellow stripes on the back, then the caterpillar would look like a zebra, because it is also completely covered with black thin stripes. She has three pairs of horns: two on her head, two on her tail and the same number in the middle of her body. They are located symmetrically to each other.

It is one of the most famous butterflies in North America. It is easily recognized by the characteristic pattern on its wings: black stripes located on a red background. The wingspan of the Danaid reaches 10.2 cm. This is one of the few insects that flies across Atlantic Ocean. In Russia, the species is found in the Far East.

The largest butterfly in the world hatches from a caterpillar with horns

In Asia (in China, Vietnam, on the islands of Java and Borneo) real giant butterflies live. Their wingspan reaches 27 centimeters. The females of this species are much larger than the male. The situation in the insect world is not unique; sexual dimorphism is observed very often. It is called the beautiful giant peacock-eye atlas. The color of its caterpillar is completely unremarkable: pale flesh-colored, and sometimes gray. A mandatory attribute is numerous horns on the body. However, the larva produces a spectacular and bright butterfly. It is noteworthy that she has no developed oral apparatus at all. The imago does not feed and lives off the resources accumulated during the larval stage.

Black always goes with white - a rule that even nature follows

Probably, many have heard about the next caterpillar with horns, but not everyone has seen such an incredible beauty created by nature. We are talking about a swallowtail larva. The adult is bright yellow with four eye-shaped round black spots on the wings. Who would have thought that, being a caterpillar, the swallowtail is not bright. On the contrary, the larva is completely black with horns of the same color located throughout its body. However, in the later stages of caterpillar development, just before pupation, the black color of the body is diluted by numerous contrasting white spots.

Summarizing what has been said

In fact, there are a great variety of caterpillars with horns in nature. There is simply no point in listing them all in one article, because the text can turn out to be as long as the well-known masterpiece of the Russian classic “War and Peace.” We introduced you only to the brightest and most unusual larvae, which nature has awarded with one or more horns. I would like to say that without exception, all caterpillars endowed with this attribute use it as self-defense. They deftly take advantage of the moment, curling up into a ball during danger, and then sharply throw their tail and horn towards the enemy. Remember that nature created caterpillars to be admired, not to be experimented on or destroyed.

A caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly, moth or moth - insects from the order Lepidoptera.

Caterpillar - description, characteristics, structure and photo. What does a caterpillar look like?

Torso

The length of the caterpillar, according to the variety, varies from a few millimeters to 12 cm, as in individual specimens of the Saturnia butterfly (peacock eye).

The caterpillar's body consists of a clearly visible head, thoracic, abdominal sections and several pairs of limbs located on the chest and abdomen.

Head

The caterpillar's head is represented by six fused segments, forming a hard capsule. Between the forehead and eyes the area of ​​the cheeks is conventionally distinguished; at the bottom of the head there is the occipital foramen, which looks like a heart.

A round head shape is typical for most caterpillars, although there are exceptions. For example, many have a triangle-shaped head, while other species have a rectangular head.

The parietal parts can protrude strongly above the head, forming a kind of “horns”. Small antennae, consisting of 3 consecutive joints, grow on the sides of the head.

Oral apparatus

All caterpillars are distinguished by a gnawing type of mouthparts. The upper jaws of the insect are well formed: their upper edge contains teeth designed for gnawing or tearing food. Inside there are tubercles that perform the function of chewing food. Salivary glands converted into specific spinning (silk separating) machines.

Eyes

The eyes of caterpillars are a primitive visual apparatus containing a single lens. Typically, several simple ocelli are located one behind the other, in an arc, or they form 1 complex eye merged from 5 simple ones. Plus 1 eye is located inside this arc. Thus, caterpillars have 5-6 pairs of eyes in total.

Torso

The caterpillar's body consists of segments separated by grooves and is covered in a soft shell, which provides the body with maximum mobility. The anus is surrounded by special lobes that have varying degrees of development.

The insect's respiratory organ, the spiracle, is a stigma located on the chest. Only in species living in water are the spiracles replaced by tracheal gills.

Most caterpillars have 3 pairs of thoracic limbs and 5 pairs of false abdominal legs. The abdominal limbs end in small hooks. On each thoracic limb there is a sole with a claw, which the caterpillar retracts or protrudes when moving.

The legs of the caterpillar were peeled off by the moth

There are no completely naked caterpillars: the body of each is covered with various formations - outgrowths, hairs or a well-grown cuticle. Cuticle growths are star-shaped, spines or granules that look like small hairs or bristles. Moreover, the bristles grow in a strictly defined way, characteristic of a particular family, genus and even species.

The outgrowths consist of raised skin formations - tubercles, similar to flat, round or oval warts and spines. Caterpillar hairs are represented by thin individual threads or tufts.

Caterpillar development

Depending on the species, the caterpillar can develop from several weeks to several years. Caterpillars of northern butterfly species do not have time to complete their development cycle in one season, so they hibernate (diapause) until next summer.

For example, a butterfly, living in the Arctic Circle, can remain in the caterpillar stage for up to 12-14 years.

During its development cycle, the caterpillar undergoes not only significant age-related changes in the size and color of the body, but also striking metamorphoses.

For example, the transformation of an almost naked caterpillar into a furry one or vice versa.

At the end of the development cycle, the caterpillar turns into a pupa, from which a butterfly then emerges.

Caterpillars moult

Each caterpillar molts several times during its entire period of existence. To the smallest number Miner caterpillars are susceptible to molting (2 times). The standard number of lines is 4, although individual species molt 5 or 7 times. Unfavourable conditions environment cause a sharp increase in the number of molts, for example, a caterpillar clothes moth can molt from 4 to 40 times. It has also been observed that females molt more often than males.

The caterpillar secretes sweet nectar, which the ant drinks.

Types of caterpillars - photos and names

Among the great variety of different caterpillars, the following varieties are of greatest interest:

• Cabbage caterpillar or cabbage butterfly caterpillar ( cabbage whites) (Pieris brassicae)

lives throughout the territory of Eastern Europe, northern Africa to the Japanese islands, and also introduced to South America. The caterpillar is 3.5 cm long, has 16 legs and has a light green body covered with black warts and short black hairs. Depending on the weather, the caterpillar stage lasts from 13 to 38 days. These caterpillars feed on cabbage, horseradish, radishes, turnips, turnips and shepherd's purse. They are considered the main pest of cabbage.

• Moth caterpillar (surveyor) (Geometridae)

characterized by long thin body and undeveloped abdominal legs, due to which it differs in an original way movement - bends in a loop, while pulling the abdominal legs towards the pectoral legs. The family includes more than 23 thousand species of moths distributed throughout the world. All types of caterpillars of this family have well-developed muscles, and therefore are able to attach themselves vertically to plants, perfectly imitating broken branches and petioles. The color of the caterpillars is similar to the color of foliage or bark, which additionally serves as an excellent camouflage. They eat tree needles and hazel.

• (Cerura vinula = Dicranura vinula)

lives throughout Europe, Central Asia and northern Africa. Adult caterpillars grow up to 6 cm and are distinguished by a green body with a purple diamond on the back, bordered by a white outline. In case of danger, the caterpillar inflates, takes a threatening pose and sprays out a caustic substance. The insect remains in the caterpillar stage from early summer to September, feeding on the leaves of plants from the willow and poplar families, including the common aspen.

• Redtail caterpillar (Calliteara pudibunda)

found in the forest-steppe zone throughout Eurasia, as well as in Asia Minor and Central Asia. A caterpillar up to 5 cm long is pinkish, brown or gray. The body is densely covered with individual hairs or tufts of hair, at the end there is a tail of protruding crimson-colored hairs. This is a poisonous caterpillar: upon contact with human skin, it causes a painful allergy. These caterpillars eat leaves different trees and shrubs, especially preferring hops.

• Silkworm caterpillar(Bombyx mori) or silkworm

Lives in East Asia: in northern China and Russia, in the southern regions of Primorye. The caterpillar is 6-7 cm long, its wavy body is densely covered with blue and brown hairy warts. After 4 molts, completing the 32-day development cycle, the color of the caterpillar becomes yellow. The food of the silkworm caterpillar is exclusively mulberry leaves. This insect has been actively used in sericulture since the 27th century BC. e.

• Corrosive woodworm caterpillar(Zeuzera pyrina)

from the carpenter family. Found in all European countries except the Far North, as well as in South Africa, South-East Asia and in North America. It overwinters twice, during which time it changes color from yellow-pink to yellow-orange with black, glossy warts. The length of the insect is 5-6 cm. Caterpillars live inside the branches and trunks of various trees, feeding on their juices.

• Swallowtail caterpillar(Papilio machaon)

lives throughout Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America. One of the most colorful caterpillars: at first black, with scarlet warts, and as it grows it becomes green with black transverse stripes. Each stripe contains 6-8 red-orange spots. The disturbed caterpillar secretes an odorous orange-yellow liquid. It feeds on celery, wormwood, parsley, and sometimes alder leaves.

The smallest caterpillar in the world is a member of the moth family.

For example, clothes moth caterpillars ( Tineola bisselliella), having just emerged from the egg, reach a length of only 1 mm.

The largest caterpillar in the world- this is the caterpillar of the peacock eye atlas ( Attacus atlas).

The bluish-green caterpillar, as if dusted with white dust, grows up to 12 cm in length.

Seeing a caterpillar in a dream means that the business you, roughly speaking, got yourself into, disgusts you, but reproaching yourself in hindsight makes no sense and you are in vain taking what happened so close to your heart.

A dream in which you see a caterpillar on yourself and cannot throw it off, foreshadows a meeting with low, two-faced people. It would be better if you could avoid contact with them.

Holding a caterpillar in your hand means that you are disgusted with your connection with a person who, from being desired, has long turned into an object and the reason for your constant irritability and dissatisfaction with life.

Crushing a caterpillar in a dream means good luck, which is just around the corner. A silkworm caterpillar seen in a dream foreshadows obtaining a very profitable position and achieving a strong position.

Dream Interpretation - Caterpillar

A caterpillar in a dream foreshadows a meeting with low, hypocritical people. Try to avoid communicating with them.

In addition, a dream about a caterpillar means that in real life you didn't appreciate it good man. The first impression was deceptive, and you treated him rather coldly. Nothing can be fixed, and all you can do is regret what happened.

Don't let it deceive you appearance these quirky and adorable caterpillars. Many of them are willing to do anything to protect themselves and their food from predators. Their brightness most often indicates toxicity

Don't let the appearance of these quirky and adorable caterpillars fool you. Many of them are willing to do anything to protect themselves and their food from predators. Their brightness most often indicates toxicity, and the hairs and spines contain a toxic cocktail. Here are some beautiful ones, but dangerous caterpillars, from which it is better to stay away.

1. Coquette caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis)

What does a coquette caterpillar look like? like a miniature furry animal. However, as soon as you touch it, an unpleasant surprise awaits you.

Poisonous spines hidden under its “fur” release poison, causing severe throbbing pain that can radiate to the armpit, five minutes after contact with the caterpillar. Red erymatous spots may appear at the site of contact. Other symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, damage to the lymph nodes, sometimes shock or difficulty breathing.

The pain usually subsides after an hour, and the spots disappear after a few days. However, when hit large quantity poison, symptoms can last up to 5 days.

2. Saddle Caterpillar(Sibine stimulea)

The hoary caterpillar attracts attention with its bright colors, and believe me, you better stay away from it. Its fleshy horns are covered with hairs that secrete poison.

Touching them will cause pain similar to a bee sting, swelling, nausea and a rash that will last for several days.

3. Stinging rose caterpillar (Parasa indetermina)

The “stinging rose” caterpillar reaches a length of only 2.5 cm and is distinguished by its bright colors. But besides its yellow and red spots, what attracts the most attention are its spiny tubercles protruding from different sides.

The tips on these tubercles, as one might guess, release poison. If you touch one of them, the ends will break off and you will experience skin irritation.

4. Spiny oak slug caterpillar (Euclea delphinii)

This caterpillar is not as dangerous to humans, although touching it will still cause a rash. This is due to the spiny tubercles located on the back and sides.

As a rule, these caterpillars live on oaks, willows, as well as beech, cherry, maple and other deciduous trees.

5. Caterpillar of the black bear (Tyria jacobaeae)

Some caterpillars become toxic through the plants they eat. And this applies to the caterpillars of the mole bear, which feed on poisonous ragwort.

They eat so much of this plant that in New Zealand, Australia and North America they are used to control the growth of ragwort. This plant is deadly to cattle and horses, but pose a certain health threat to people.

If you are susceptible to caterpillar hairs, touching them can cause hives, atopic asthma, kidney failure and cerebral hemorrhage.

6. Caterpillars of the marching silkworm (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)

Traveling silkworm caterpillars live in groups in large silken nests high on pine trees.

They follow each other from the nest to the pine needles in search of food. And as you may have guessed, contact with them is dangerous. They are covered with thousands of tiny harpoon-shaped hairs, the touch of which causes severe skin irritation.

7. Bag caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer)

Just like the caterpillars of the traveling silkworm, these representatives live in groups in a silk bag, emerging at night and following each other in search of food. However, the danger from them is greater.

In South America they pose a health risk. The venom contained in their bristles is a powerful anticoagulant. This means that if you accidentally touch them, you risk bleeding from a small cut or internal bleeding.

8. Saturnia io caterpillar (Automeris io)

This caterpillar is native to Canada and the United States, and although it looks like an adorable little thing with green spiked pom-poms, remember that they are for viewing only.

No matter how tiny their spines may seem, the poison they contain can cause painful itching and even dermatitis.

9. Witch moth caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium)

If you thought the coquette caterpillar looked rather unusual, admire this furry creature. The witch moth caterpillar, also called the slug monkey, is often found in orchards.

People vary in their susceptibility to these caterpillars, and for some they cause unpleasant symptoms, including itching and rashes.

10. Hickory Bear Caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae)

It seems as if these caterpillars are dressed in winter fur coats. Most of the hairs covering their body are fairly harmless, but they do have four long black hairs on the front and back that should be avoided.

Touching them leads to a rash or more serious problems with health, in case of hairs getting into the eyes. Plus, they still bite.

11. Lazy clown caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua)

This peacock butterfly caterpillar can safely be called a killer caterpillar. Its thorns are filled with poison, a coagulant - an anti-clotting substance, which can lead to the death of a person.

Light touching of these caterpillars can lead to headache, fever, vomiting and, if left untreated, internal bleeding. renal failure and hemolysis.

Their venom is so powerful that scientists are studying it in hopes of developing a drug that prevents blood clots.

12. White cedar moth caterpillar (leptocneria reducta)

This caterpillar already inspires fear with its appearance. The hairs of this tiny crawling "cactus" can cause an allergic itching reaction in some people.

In addition, the caterpillars themselves live in large groups, swarming the tree at the same time, eating every single leaf before moving on.

13. Saturnia Maya caterpillar (Hemileuca maia)

One look at this caterpillar should discourage you from touching it. It is covered with hollow spines attached to a venom sac, and touching it will not only cause itching and burning, but will also lead to nausea.

They live mainly on oaks and willows from spring to mid-summer.

14. Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma)

This caterpillar is easy to spot because of its red head, black back, and yellow stripes on its sides. In addition to the fact that this caterpillar stings unpleasantly, it is considered a pest of trees, eating everything woody in its path.

But try to remove it from the power source, and you will be in trouble. published