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Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillar

Megalopyge sp.(Megalopyge opercularis)

Description:

Found in a Cecropia Tree. This is one of the most poisonous caterpillars that can be found in our continent and distributed from the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America, is easily mistaken for a fluffy one but under their hairs are hidden thorns connected to poison glands. The skin contact with these spines can be a big mistake, producing all kinds of symptoms from irritation, rashes, blisters and swelling, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, shortness of breath, not to mention extreme pain. Victims often require hospitalization.

Habitat:

Rainforest

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12 Comments

Jonathan Sequeira
Jonathan Sequeira 10 years ago

New info added...

Jonathan Sequeira
Jonathan Sequeira 11 years ago

Gracias Larry

Jonathan Sequeira
Jonathan Sequeira 11 years ago

Si aun no tengo confirmación de la ID

MauricioPacheco
MauricioPacheco 11 years ago

Muy interesante!!

Jonathan Sequeira
Jonathan Sequeira 11 years ago

Ha ha .... I think it does...

Mick is right. It badly needs haircut :)

Jonathan Sequeira
Jonathan Sequeira 11 years ago

Oh Larrry No había visto tu sugerencia . la analizaré.

LarryGraziano
LarryGraziano 12 years ago

Apatelodes sp.?

MickGrant
MickGrant 12 years ago

Haircut due?

Jonathan Sequeira
Jonathan Sequeira 12 years ago

Thnx K

KatherineD
KatherineD 12 years ago

It's so fuzzy! Great shot.

Jonathan Sequeira
Spotted by
Jonathan Sequeira

Costa Rica

Spotted on Aug 2, 2011
Submitted on Aug 4, 2011

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