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Venomous Caterpillar

Sunday, 10 August 2014 06:15

Fuzzy and white the Hickory Tussock Moth can cause quite the reaction.

OXFORD COUNTY- That cute, little, fuzzy caterpillar might not be all the cute if you come into contact with it.

The Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar is about 5 centimetres in length, white and fuzzy with long black hairs that protrude from the areas near its front and rear.

As Program Supervisor of Health Protection at Public Health, Peter Heywood points out -- this caterpillar could leave you with quite the reaction.  "It can cause a reaction, an allergic reaction or a rash and in some cases it can be very severe for people and so it's really important for us to inform the community of this particular caterpillar and what it may cause in terms of a reaction.  This isn't a serious issue but it's more of a nuisance issue -- some people may have a severe reaction to it."

Coming into contact with the black, protruding hairs will connect you to its poison glands.  The venom from the caterpillar could cause a rash similar to one caused by nettles or poison ivy.  "Some people may have no reaction but those that do, it's very similar to poison ivy.  So if you do come into contact with this caterpillar, it's really important you wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible.  In the case of itching and swelling, you'll want to maybe apply ice packs or lotions."

The caterpillars are usually found in Southern Ontario between July and September, feeding on the leaves of hickory, oak, elm, ash and walnut trees. 

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