The Southern Flannel Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) is a caterpillar in the southern United States and Central America) that may cause a systemic envenomation.
Synonym: asp caterpillar, puss caterpillar, wooly asp, wooly slug
Time of usual contact: July through November (late summer to early winter)
Envenomation is associated with the spines (setae, "hairs"), although it may be referred to as a "bite".
Clinical features:
(1) excruciating pain and burning at the site of contact that may radiate along an extremity
(2) local reaction with erythema, edema and/or hives
(3) variable pruritis
(4) variable tingling or paresthesias
(5) variable muscle spasm
(6) variable nausea or abdominal distress
The "hairs" may be removed by laying tape over the area. The pain can then be reduced by applying ice over the site < www.youtube.com/watch?v=63d8scytJGQ>.
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