Venomous hairy caterpillars attacked residents of Virginia

Some caterpillars are so cute that it is impossible to pass them by. This trap often began to fall into the Americans, who can not help but stroke the caterpillars with gorgeous hair. However, a thick coat is fraught with danger in the form of spikes.

Fluffy cute creatures turned out to be quite harmless: they can cause burns and even fever. The problem started this month in Virginia. People show an incredible weakness for fuzzies, and apparently, nature knows this very well. The caterpillar of the Megalopyge opercularis species has a beautiful coat that you want to stroke. The other side of the coin is poison and the spread of creatures. The caterpillars have taken over the entire state, and they pose a real threat to local residents.

Previously, the caterpillar population was controlled by their natural enemies, birds. Dangerous caterpillars are produced by harmless southern flannel moths. Until each caterpillar gets wings, it is best to stay away from these animals.

Residents do not understand what the invasion is connected with, if usually Megalopyge opercularis are found in the South of the country, while Virginia is in the center. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of shady trees (elm, oak, etc.), so it is better to avoid them.

The last invasion of creatures dates back to 1923 in Texas. The authorities were forced to close schools, because the children often succumbed to the temptation to touch the fur. Today, children are more responsible, and caterpillars are more assertive. They started attacking people. Bites cause the feeling that a knife was stuck in the skin and rolled it. And this is from a creature four centimeters long.

So far, residents do not know how to deal with the problem. Local authorities are addressing this issue, and the action plan will be presented very soon.

Residents of the us state of Virginia complained about the invasion of poisonous shaggy caterpillars. The larva of a butterfly from the megalopygidae family may look soft and fluffy, but it causes painful skin irritation, inflammation and fever in a person who touches it.

According to the Daily Mail, the state authorities have already warned residents about the danger. In Eastern Virginia, there have already been a lot of complaints from citizens to doctors. So far, the authorities claim that the caterpillar population is under control: its growth is successfully restrained by the natural enemies of these insects. But if necessary, the state leadership promised to use insecticides.

Covered in fine hairs, the caterpillars are among the most venomous in the United States. They live mainly in the southern States, living on trees – elms, oaks and sycamores.

Crystal spindel Gaston, a 55-year-old resident of Richmond, said that when she came into contact with the caterpillar, she felt as if a red-Hot knife had pierced her leg.

"Before I looked down, I was one hundred percent sure that I would see a sharp piece of metal," the woman said.

She immediately went to the doctor, completely get rid of the consequences of the meeting with the caterpillar, she managed in three days.

A similar case occurred in Florida: there, the caterpillar sent a 15-year-old boy to the hospital.

Experts advise residents of States where this insect is common, after a collision with it, immediately wash the place of contact to wash off the hairs remaining on the skin. You can also remove them with sticky tape. Those who are allergic to insect bites should consult a doctor immediately.