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White-Marked Tussock Caterpillar
Orgyia leucostigma
35.2271, -80.8431
Field Notes
Description:
My son found this furry caterpillar on our garbage can when he went to bring it back up from the curb. Can anyone help ID it? I saw a story just last week about a furry white caterpillar that is venomous and caused a little girl to have a serious reaction after touching one. I am hoping someone can tell me more. Thank you!
Habitat:
The White-marked Tussock Moth is a common native of North America, living throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada. The caterpillars feed on a range of host plants, including birch, cherry, apple, oak, and even some coniferous trees like fir and spruce.
Notes:
*The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for White marked tussock moth caterpillar poisoning includes the 12 symptoms listed below: <br>
Pain at site of sting <br>
Itchy skin <br>
Urticaria<br>
Skin rash<br>
Localized skin redness<br>
Eye inflammation - eye exposure<br>
Light sensitivity - eye exposure<br>
Hypersensitivity reaction<br>
Bronchitis - inhalation exposure<br>
Bronchospasm - inhalation exposure<br>
Wheezing - inhalation exposure<br>
Conjunctivitis - eye exposure<br>
<br>
*Conservation status:<br>
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)<br>
<br>
* Scientific classification:<br>
Kingdom: Animalia<br>
Phylum: Arthropoda<br>
Class: Insecta<br>
Order: Lepidoptera<br>
Family: Lymantriidae<br>
Genus: Orgyia<br>
Species: O. leucostigma<br>
* Binomial name: Orgyia leucostigma<br>
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