Mariposa folha (Leaf moth)

Description:

The Lonomia is a family Saturniidae moth whose caterpillar is poisonous. It inhabits mainly forests, enjoying moist and dark places, staying in the trees. The female moth is gray, and the male is dark yellow-orange, both with a cross-listing on the wings. Size: 6 cm wing spam for males, 8 cm for females.

Notes:

The hemorrhagic caterpillars started occuring in the brazilian orchards in the early 90's and while not a threat from the economic point of view, are extremely dangerous to human health. The venom of caterpillars, when in contact with human skin, causes a bleeding that can lead an individual to death. Because these caterpillar tend to group when resting, contact is often made to more then one or two of them, wich multiplies the effects of poisoning.