Sure, it looks like a wayward ball of fluff. Maybe a even baby tribble. But that little guy in the pic above is the White Flannel Moth caterpillar, and the photographer who picked it up? Not happy. Those tiny little hairs are urticating setae, poisoned barbs that break off in the skin, causing pain and itchiness and general freaked-outness.
The Ark In Space has a whole collection of crazy-looking caterpillars (including one that looks like a toupee for Chewbacca, should he ever need one). Click through for the gallery!
Link | Image: Flickr User Urtica
Newest 3 Comments
Yeah, man, that seriously burned for most of the day. I've gotten a little smarter about picking things up since then :-).
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@Frau: Bingo! "Puss caterpillar" is just the common name for the White Flannel Moth larva. :)
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Puss caterpillar came to mind when I saw that.
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