Thanks for the photo. Sorry for your nasty encounter. I could not locate photos to accompany this common description: “There are several stinging caterpillars in Texas, including the saddleback caterpillar, buck moth, the hag moth and the puss caterpillar, also known as wooly worm or the asp. The asp, the larva of the flannel moth, can cause severe pain, rapid swelling, shocklike syndromes, convulsions and intense itching.
Headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting and cramps may also be experienced. Reactions are triggered by the insect's venom that flows through hollow spines, and, of course, the reactions vary among people.
The nonstinging adult moths emerge from their cocoons in late spring and early summer and lay eggs on plant leaves. Within four to eight days, the larvae hatch and reach maturity in one to two months. A mature larva is about an inch long and may be tan to dark brown to red or gray. The thick hairs taper toward the back of the insect. Within this fur are shorter, hollow spines that discharge the nasty venom.
The best prevention, of course, is to avoid contact with the fine fur, which is similar to that of a pussy willow -- therefore, the common name. But accidents can easily happen. If stung, promptly apply an ice pack and a baking soda poultice and see a doctor as needed.”
---Regarding sting remedies: In addition to Benadryl, I keep fresh Adolph’s meat tenderizer (unseasoned) on hand. It contains papain whose enzymatic activity appears to neutralize bee, wasp and hornet stings, and to a lesser extent, it relieves other insect bites. A landscape architect was stung working in our yard. I ran out with a glass of water, moistened the painful site with fresh water, and shook Adolph’s powder on the sting. The water is necessary to activate the chemical papain. Her relief was immediate. We then made a poultice paste to continue the soothing effect.
For mosquito bites, I poo-pooed the recommendation of swabbing the site with Listerine (immediately after) – however, I had to eat my words. When I apply Listerine and keep daubing a fresh bite, it does show greater long-term relief than it’s cortisol competition. Now I have a use for Listerine! After all, who in their right mind would want to put Listerine in their mouth???? lol
