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Project Noah Nature School
Acharia stimulea
Love this caterpillar's cute little Darth Vader face! But watch out - it's got the attitude to match. Fortunately I knew exactly what it was and didn't handle it, although I did admire the lovely chocolate browns and bright green colors.
Massachusetts south to Florida and west to eastern Missouri and Texas. I saw several of these during this particular week in October on the ornamental plants right outside my office window at work.
Contact with the hairs causes a painful, swollen rash and sometimes nausea in humans. The hairs should be removed from the skin immediately to prevent more venom spread. The cocoon may also have irritating hairs and hairs from the larva can fall on surrounding objects.
Spotted on Oct 4, 2013
Submitted on Oct 25, 2013
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