“Look, but don’t touch” is an adage that definitely applies to the asp caterpillar in Texas. This deceptively adorable insect tempts animal lovers with its fuzzy exterior, but don’t allow yourself to be fooled. The bug secretes a venom so powerful, the pain is comparable to that of a broken bone – and it can last up to 12 hours. Here’s everything you need to know:
The southern flannel moth - more commonly known as the asp caterpillar - lives throughout eastern North America, from southeastern Virginia all the way down to portions of Central America. Unfortunately, this region includes Texas.
Wikimedia Commons/Patrick Coin
After seeing how adorable the bug looks in its larval stage, you’re probably wondering why we used the word “unfortunately.” The reason is that, despite how cute and innocent it may appear, the asp is one of the most dangerous insects in Texas.
Wikimedia Commons/Amizrachi
Asps contain venomous spines that, upon contact with human skin, produce immediate irritation. The word “irritation” is actually quite forgiving - the pain is described as being similar to that of a broken bone, and can often radiate up and down the affected limb.
Wikimedia Commons/Qaengine
Other symptoms can include swelling, nausea, headache, abdominal distress, rashes, blisters, chest pain, numbness, and even difficulty breathing.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
It’s important to treat an asp wound as soon as possible - no later than a few hours after contact. Spines should be removed with cellophane tape, and various treatment modalities include ice packs, oral antihistamine, baking soda, hydrocortisone cream, juice from comfrey plant stems, and calamine lotion.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
If you’re wondering where to look out for asps in the first place, they live on oak, elm, wild plum, and several other kinds of trees as well as garden plants such as rose and ivy.
Wikimedia Commons/Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, United States - http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=3717079
For more information about the asp caterpillar in Texas, please visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension website.
Wikimedia Commons/Patrick Coin
Wikimedia Commons/Amizrachi
Wikimedia Commons/Qaengine
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
Wikimedia Commons/Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, United States - http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=3717079
Have you ever seen an asp caterpillar in Texas? If so, tell us about the encounter in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about more creepy bugs in Texas.
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