5 Most Poisonous Insects of North America
- Africanized Honey Bee. More commonly known as the killer bee, this insect’s venom is dangerous to humans because of...
- Puss Caterpillar. Some describe this furry creature as “cute” but something this poisonous can’t possibly be “cute”.
- Maricopa Harvester Ant. One of the single most poisonous insects of North America is the Maricopa harvester ant found...
- Brown-Tail Moth. Found in the northeast corner of the United States, the brown-tail moth is often overlooked as a...
Full Answer
Are there poisonous caterpillars in North America?
06/12/2014 · 5 Most Poisonous Insects of North America 1. Africanized Honey Bee. More commonly known as the killer bee, this insect’s venom is dangerous to humans because of... 2. Puss Caterpillar. Some describe this furry creature as “cute” but something this poisonous can’t possibly be “cute”. 3. Maricopa ...
Are dagger moth caterpillars poisonous?
Stinging Caterpillars of North America Stinging Slug Caterpillars. The gallery below features some of the commonest stinging caterpillars of North America. Limacodidae-Slug caterpillars. Stinging Flannel Moth caterpillars-family Megalopygidae. Among the small number of Megalopygid species found in ...
Is the hag moth poisonous?
23/03/2017 · The subfamily of Hemileucinae among Saturniidae, consisting of roughly 630 species and unique to the continents of North and South America, characteristically contains larvae bearing toxic spines. Lonomia, often considered to be the most venomous, is included in this subfamily
Are tiger moths poisonous to humans?
27/01/2022 · The 17 Poisonous and Venomous Caterpillars. 1. Giant Silkworm Moth Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua) 2. Pine Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) 3. Hickory Tussock Caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae) 4. Hag Moth Caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium) 5. Io Moth Caterpillar (Automeris io) 6. White Cedar Moth Caterpillar (Leptocneria reducta) 7.
Are there any poisonous moths?
A select few breeds of moth caterpillars have toxic venom coating their spines. ... Giant silkworm moth larvae and flannel moth caterpillars are specifically noted for their ability to cause a painful sting. Most types of moths are only poisonous if they're consumed.21-Apr-2020
What kind of moth is poisonous?
Puss moth caterpillars (Megalopyge opercularis), of the order Lepidoptera, are also known as asps. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Puss moth caterpillars are endemic to the southern US and live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes and schools and in parks.
Are moths poisonous to touch?
While moths are universally harmless, some caterpillars have stinging spines or hairs. ... The hairs of these caterpillars are particularly troubling because they can become airborne; the hairs are irritating when they touch the skin, but if inhaled they can cause allergic reactions.
What Colour are poisonous moths?
Cinnabar moths start life as yellow and black caterpillars and are particularly fond of munching on ragwort plants. Their bright colours warn predators that they're poisonous, but they only build up their poison after feeding on the ragwort.
Is a black fuzzy caterpillar poisonous?
These caterpillars become moths within months of hatching. The larvae feed on a wide range of flowering plants and prefers herbs as their diet. They are not poisonous and do not inject any type of venom as many think due to their fuzzy hair.
Are white satin moths poisonous to humans?
Don't be misled by the ethereal appearance of the white satin moth – they can be lethal.23-Mar-2017
Are black moths poisonous?
They are perfectly harmless, not an agricultural pest, and have no teeth or stingers. The folklore surrounding Black Witch Moth, like the moth itself, is all over the map. In Mexico they are known as “mariposa de la muerte,” the butterfly of death.31-Jul-2012
What happens if you touch a fuzzy caterpillar?
The fuzzy tufts on caterpillars are what can cause a rash. These tiny hairs are called setae . In some people, these hairs cause an allergic reaction when they touch the skin. These symptoms can appear within minutes and last for one or more days.22-Oct-2021
What is a fuzzy caterpillar?
Furry caterpillars are a fascinating type of insect that usually turn into moths. Most types of furry caterpillars feed on the leaves of plants and trees. ... There are some spiky caterpillars that are poisonous and can give you a bee-like sting or cause skin irritation.02-Sept-2021
Are butterflies poisonous?
No butterflies are so poisonous that they kill people or large animals, but there is an African moth whose caterpillar's fluids are very poisonous. The N'gwa or 'Kaa caterpillar's entrails have been used by Bushmen to poison the tips of arrows.
Is the Six Spot Burnet poisonous?
They are poisonous. Full of toxins! They might not kill you, but you will soon spit them out! Burnet moths (Zygaena) obtain their toxins – the cyanogenic glucosides linamarin and lotaustralin – from their food plants (Fabaceae), but they are also able to make them themselves.16-Aug-2020
Should I worry about a moth in my room?
Moths aren't the most harmful pest you can find in your household, but they can cause plenty of damage to clothes, food, and other belongings. If you have allergies, moths can be a nuisance to your symptoms.11-Sept-2019
What is the name of the caterpillar that has stinging hairs?
In North America and in many other parts of the world the caterpillars of the moth family Limacodidae are notorious for having stinging hairs. These stinging hairs and their oval shape have given rise to them being known as stinging slug caterpillars.
How big is a Limacodid?
This is also the largest Limacodid species being up to 3 cms compared with most others that are between 1.5-2 cms. Some of the species such as the Spiny Oak-Slug (Euclea delphinii) have extremely varied coloured forms.
Where are stinging caterpillars found?
The gallery below features some of the commonest stinging caterpillars of North America. Most caterpillars are harmless and play a crucial part in the ecosystem. However, there are a few species found in the US and Canada that have stinging hairs.
What is the name of the stinging flea moth?
Stinging Flannel Moth caterpillars-family Megalopygidae. Among the small number of Megalopygid species found in North America is the notorious Puss Moth caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), also known as the Southern Flannel Moth and appropriately named Asp.
What caterpillars are sensitive to hair?
Among these are several species in the Lymantriidae moth family. These include The Browntail Moth caterpillar and The Gypsy Moth caterpillar. The caterpillars of the Io Moth (Automeris io) and species of Buck Moth (Hemileuca species) ...
What is the name of the moth that congregates on the author's hand?
An army of toxic spines of the moth Lonomia electra congregate on the author’s hand. (Photo credit: Bart Coppens) By Bart Coppens. “Assassin caterpillar” or, in Spanish, “taturana”—these are the names appointed to caterpillars of the genus Lonomia.
How many species of Lonomia caterpillars are there?
The deadly hemotoxic effects of Lonomia caterpillars have only been scientifically described in two species, namely the L. obliqua and L. achelous, while the genus currently contains 32 described species.
Which genus of Lepidoptera is the most venomous?
Lonomia is often considered to be the most venomous genus of Lepidoptera, in particular L. obliqua, of which the hemotoxin is known to inflict severe envenomation and cause disseminated intravascular coagulation and haemorrhagic disease in victims. Bart Coppens.
Do gregarious larvae mimic leaf mimics?
They make excellent leaf mimics. (Photo credit: Bart Coppens) The highly gregarious larvae demonstrate social behavior and travel and feed together in large groups. Larvae were tested by carefully pressing and rubbing the venomous spines of each larval instar on the author’s skin.
Which subfamily of Saturniidae contains the most venomous larvae?
The subfamily of Hemileucinae among Saturniidae, consisting of roughly 630 species and unique to the continents of North and South America, characteristically contains larvae bearing toxic spines. Lonomia, often considered to be the most venomous, is included in this subfamily.
What is the difference between a poisonous caterpillar and a venomous caterpillar?
Poisonous Caterpillar vs. Venomous Caterpillar. A poisonous caterpillar will harm you if you touch, breathe or consume it due to the toxic substance it carries. On the other hand, a venomous caterpillar injects a toxin or poison through a sting.
How often do yellow caterpillars appear?
These stinging caterpillars can appear twice a year in warmer areas and only once a year on spring in colder ones. This caterpillar is more conventional. The body can be light green, yellow, reddish or orange. This venomous yellow caterpillar feeds on oak leaves exclusively.
Where are puss caterpillars found?
Megalopyge. Megalopyge opercilaris. The puss caterpillar is widespread in the Southern States, including New Jersey, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas. The young caterpillars look relatively ordinary – small, thin, yellow and covered with hairs that stick from the sides.
Can dogs have spines?
The spines can cause only a mild allergy in humans, but they are dangerous for pets, especially dogs. Tourists coming to France and Spain are advised to keep their dogs from the processions of caterpillars and to avoid standing under pines in summer, especially if there are caterpillar nests. 15.
What is the color of saddleback caterpillar?
Saddleback caterpillar has a small, stocky body and resembles a slug. Primary body color of this poisonous caterpiller is brown, and there is a distinct, bright green marking in the middle of the body, with an oval -shaped reddish mark in the middle that resembles a saddle.
Where can I find flannel moths?
Norape. Norape ovina. A relative of the southern flannel moth caterpillar, this poisonous caterpillar can be found in Lousiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Unlike its more famous relative, white flannel moth caterpillar has a dark-colored, small body with round, yellow-colored patches.
What do caterpillars eat?
These deadly caterpillars are universal feeders and can eat leaves of multiple types of trees including maple, oak, palms, and chestnuts. This poisonous caterpillar has a potent poison that destroys blood cells. Even a small prick from the poisonous spine can cause asthma, stomachache, and bleeding.
What is the name of the hemlock moth?
Tinea puella Hübner, 1796. albidella Eversmann, 1844. The hemlock moth ( Agonopterix alstroemeriana ), also known as the defoliating hemlock moth or poison hemlock moth, is a nocturnal moth species of the family Depressariidae. Of Palaearctic origin, it was first found in North America in 1973 when it was accidentally introduced.
How many eggs does an Agonopterix lay?
Around 200 small eggs are laid by the female, and they are placed on the underside of the leaves of their host plant, Conium maculatum. As eggs, they have a pale color. Agonopterix alstroemeriana larva in a later instar.
Where is A. alstroemeriana native to?
Range. A. alstroemeriana is a wide-ranging species native to Europe, that has more recently spread to North America and New Zealand. In North America, it is most common to the northeastern and northwestern United States, as well as the southern regions of Canada.
Can A. alstroemeriana kill poison hemlock?
In already established areas for the moth, like the Pacific Northwest, A. alstroemeriana can cause serious damage to the poison hemlock plant; wherein hundreds of larvae exist on individual host plants. Large areas of Conium maculatum can be killed when caterpillars of A. alstroemeriana exist at these densities.
What is the name of the wasp that eats hemlock moths?
Native predator emergence. Recently, A. alstroemeriana has been predated upon by a native wasp species, Euodynerus foraminatus, which is part of the family Eumenidae of Hymenoptera. This wasp is known for paralyzing the larvae of Lepidoptera, now including the hemlock moth, in order to feed it to its young.
Where was the first hemlock moth found?
The first North American sighting of the hemlock moth was of a caterpillar seen in Tompkins County , New York in 1973. After that, Agonopterix alstroemeriana spread quickly throughout the United States. It was found in the Pacific Northwest in 1983-1985, possibly spread by the accidental shipping of dormant moths.
Does poison hemlock kill livestock?
Poison hemlock commonly overruns fields growing feed for livestock, which creates the possibility of killing the animals (through hay contamination). Therefore, agriculturalists have made it a priority to address the widespread nature of poison hemlock. Leaves of Conium maculatum, the hostplant of A. alstroemeriana.
Why do tiger moths have a warning?
The conspicuous patterns on its wings serve as a warning to predators because the moth's body fluids are poisonous.
What is the name of the tiger moth?
Arctia caja. ( Linnaeus, 1758) Synonyms. Phalaena caja Linnaeus, 1758. The garden tiger moth or great tiger moth ( Arctia caja) is a moth of the family Erebidae. Arctia caja is a northern species found in the US, Canada, and Europe. The moth prefers cold climates with temperate seasonality, as the larvae overwinter, ...
Where do tiger moths live?
Geographic range. The garden tiger moth lives in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe. It prefers cold, temperate climates. The garden tiger moth is found throughout much of the Palearctic, in Europe as far north as Lapland, in Northern Asia and Central Asia, and in North America. In the mountains ( Tien Shan ), this species is found up ...
Do tiger moths spray?
Adult garden tiger moths exhibit clear warning signals, which they share with other tiger moths to advertise very real toxicity upon consumption. Adults can also spray an irritating compound when threatened. The chemical, produced in glands that are exposed when threatened, is a choline ester.
Why are tiger moths not constrained by host plant location?
Because of its generalist diet, it is not constrained by features such as host plant location. The only constant quality of a habitat for these animals is that it must be seasonal and cool, and like many members of Genus Arctia, tropical climates do not suit garden tiger moth larvae or adults.
What are tiger moths called?
The caterpillars of this species are, like many caterpillars of the tiger moth family, “fuzzy” in appearance, leading them to be called "woolly bears" by casual observers. Once the caterpillars reach a certain size, they acquire hollow tubes that often contain irritating compounds.
Is Arctia caja related to other tiger moths?
Arctia caja is very well adapted to cold temperate climates, and is closely related to many other tiger moths both molecularly and genetically. Although it has variable patterning, it is still quite genetically and molecularly similar to other species that have been separated from A. caja due to appearance, such as A. intercalaris, A. martinhoneyi, A. thibetica, A. brachyptera, and A. opulenta. Evidence for combining some of these species does not seem strong enough to create conclusions in that regard.
What is a daffodil bulb?
Narcissus poeticus. The daffodil (Narcissus poeticus) is a bulb plant with long, flat and dark green leaves. Its flowers are either white, yellow or orange, and has a trumpet like a cap. Although every part of the plant contains the toxic agent lycorine, it is concentrated within the bulb.
How big does a water hemlock grow?
The water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is a smooth perennial plant that can grow up to eight feet. It is best known for its little white flowers. It likes to grow around swamp areas. It has a potent poison that gives it the distinction of being North America's most poisonous plant.
Where do poke berries grow?
It grows in Maine, Florida, Northern Illinois, Eastern Kansas and Texas.
Is water hemlock poisonous?
Water hemlock is a type of poisonous plant commonly found in the United States. Many plants are harmless. However, some plants harbor the most toxic and deadly poisons known to man. It is alleged that the poison hemlock killed Socrates, and there have been several incidents where children have infested the deadly nightshade.
What are the effects of corncockle?
In animals who are more likely to consume the plant in high doses, some of the effects include low blood pressure and liver damage. 7. Common Corn-Cockle. Rose campion, Agrostemma githago. The common corn-cockle (Agrostemma githago) is a whitish plant with violet-red flowers.
Is spurge a carcinogen?
Spotted spurge is commonly found as a lawn weed. It is found all over its native North America. The plant especially loves to grow in sunny locales. However, the sap that is found on this plant can cause irritation when coming into contact with the skin and is also known to be a carcinogen. 9.
What are the symptoms of oleander poisoning?
Symptoms of oleander poisoning include excess salivation, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and eventually death. 4. Poke berry. Phytolacca decandra. The Poke berry (Phytolacca decandra) is a smooth, succulent plant that can grow to eight feet.
Overview
The hemlock moth (Agonopterix alstroemeriana), also known as the defoliating hemlock moth or poison hemlock moth, is a nocturnal moth species of the family Depressariidae. Of Palaearctic origin, it was first found in North America in 1973 when it was accidentally introduced. The moth is now widespread throughout the northern half of the United States, southern Canada, northern Europe, and, …
Identification
Adult moths are pale brown, almost tan, with a lighter colored area near the bottom of their wings and a few darker spots found near the edges of the wings. They have a distinguishing brown or reddish spot near the center of each wing. The hemlock moth can be confused with another moth of the family Depressariidae, Exaeretia canella, which is similar in coloration. However, E. canella does not have a reddish spot, and has a dark head.
Distribution
A. alstroemeriana is a wide-ranging species native to Europe, that has more recently spread to North America, Australian and New Zealand. In North America, it is most common to the northeastern and northwestern United States, as well as the southern regions of Canada. It has spread inland in both nations, and can now commonly be found in the Midwestern states of the U.S. as well.
Behavior
The caterpillars in earlier instars form tubes from the leaves of Conium maculatum by rolling the leaves together using a secreted webbing material. Older caterpillars make tubes from the flowers and seed heads as well as the leaves. Abandoned tubes can regularly be found on the poison hemlock plant because, if disturbed or attacked, the caterpillar will wriggle free of the tube and onto the ground as a predation defense mechanism.
Life cycle
Around 200 small eggs are laid by the female, and they are placed on the underside of the leaves of their host plant, Conium maculatum. As eggs, they have a pale color.
The eggs hatch into caterpillars about 6 days after being laid. Earlier instarsare yellow with a black head capsule. After feeding on their hostplant and growin…
Native predator emergence in Great Lakes
Recently, A. alstroemeriana has been predated upon by a wasp species, Euodynerus foraminatus native to the United States, which is part of the family Eumenidae of Hymenoptera. This wasp is known for paralyzing the larvae of Lepidoptera, now including the hemlock moth, in order to feed it to its young. This newfound predator may limit the effects that A. alstroemeriana have in defoliating C. maculatum.
Biological control usage
A. alstroemeriana can now be found throughout the United States. In locations where it has intentionally been released as a biological control agent, the species has rapidly established itself. In already established areas for the moth, like the Pacific Northwest, A. alstroemeriana can cause serious damage to the poison hemlock plant; wherein hundreds of larvae exist on individual host plan…
External links
Media related to Agonopterix alstroemeriana at Wikimedia Commons
• Agonopterix alstromeriana at UKmoths
Overview
The garden tiger moth or great tiger moth (Arctia caja) is a moth of the family Erebidae. Arctia caja is a northern species found in the US, Canada, and Europe. The moth prefers cold climates with temperate seasonality, as the larvae overwinter, and preferentially chooses host plants that produce pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, garden tiger moths are generalists, and will pick many diff…
Description
The garden tiger moth has a wingspan of 45 to 65 millimeters (1.8 to 2.6 in). The design of the wings vary; the front wings are brown with a white pattern (which is sometimes missing), the back wings are orange with a pattern of black dots. There are many aberrations (pattern and colour variants), partly obtained artificially and partly by chance. Oberthür, a French entomologist, mentions about 500 different variants shown in 36 figures. Seitzgives an account of some name…
The garden tiger moth has a wingspan of 45 to 65 millimeters (1.8 to 2.6 in). The design of the wings vary; the front wings are brown with a white pattern (which is sometimes missing), the back wings are orange with a pattern of black dots. There are many aberrations (pattern and colour variants), partly obtained artificially and partly by chance. Oberthür, a French entomologist, mentions about 500 different variants shown in 36 figures. Seitzgives an account of some name…
Geographic range
The garden tiger moth lives in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe. It prefers cold, temperate climates. The garden tiger moth is found throughout much of the Palearctic, in Europe as far north as Lapland, in Northern Asia and Central Asia, and in North America. In the mountains (Tien Shan), this species is found up to an elevation of 3,000 metres (9,800 ft).
Habitat
This species prefers numerous types of wild habitat, from grasslands to forests. Because of its generalist diet, it is not constrained by features such as host plant location. The only constant quality of a habitat for these animals is that it must be seasonal and cool, and like many members of Genus Arctia, tropical climates do not suit garden tiger moth larvae or adults.
Food resources
The larvae of A. caja are generalists, meaning they eat a large variety of plants without much specialization. However, most larvae of this species obtain their characteristic toxic compounds from their diet, which can vary from foxglove (and members of the daisy family) to species in completely other plant families, such as plantago.
The larvae of A. caja are generalists, meaning they eat a large variety of plants without much specialization. However, most larvae of this species obtain their characteristic toxic compounds from their diet, which can vary from foxglove (and members of the daisy family) to species in completely other plant families, such as plantago.
Life cycle
A. caja hatches at the end of summer (from August to September), overwinters once, reemerges in spring, and finishes growth by June. From July to August (or September in warmer climates) the adults are active, primarily at night. Eggs are laid on leaf surfaces and the larvae hatch and feed shortly after the previous generation has died. After feeding for a few months, the larvae go into dorman…
Enemies
While not often eaten due to its toxicity, naïve birds will on rare occasion consume either the adult or larval stages of this species.
The larval form of A. caja is parasitized by quite a few endoparasites, which usually grow as larvae inside the living host (in this case a caterpillar). Examples include:
• Carcelia gnava
Protective coloration and behavior
Adult garden tiger moths exhibit clear warning signals, which they share with other tiger moths to advertise very real toxicity upon consumption. Adults can also spray an irritating compound when threatened. The chemical, produced in glands that are exposed when threatened, is a choline ester. A similar compound is found in the tissues of the adults, with the eggs, gonads, and abdomens having the highest concentrations.