The caterpillar may look cute and furry but it's poisonous.
DALLAS (WTHR) — A Texas girl was taken to the hospital after she was stung by a poisonous caterpillar, NBC5 reported.
The asp caterpillar, also known as the Puss or Southern Flannel Moth Caterpillar, fell from a tree onto 5-year-old Adrie when she was playing outside. The caterpillar fell onto her arm where she was stung.
“It was burning,” Adrie told workers at her daycare.
The asp caterpillar may look cute and furry but in fact it has venomous spines buried beneath its hair.
Michael Merchant, an entomologist with Texas A&M University told NBC5 they’ve received more calls about the bugs this year though they don’t know why.
“They’re common on a lot of trees and plants we have in North Texas… on oaks, yaupons, even rose bushes,” said Merchant.
The pain from the sting can last up to 12 hours and is quite uncomfortable. That discomfort can become much worse if the spines aren't removed from the skin immediately.
“They said if that had not happened it could actually cause her whole body to go numb and start shutting down,” said Chambers.
Symptoms include burning, rash, swelling, abdominal pain, shock and respiratory distress.
Although the caterpillar is endemic to the South, they can be found throughout North America.
