'extremely toxic'
caterpillar
found in Florida
Although it appears soft and fuzzy
Although it appears soft and fuzzy
this caterpillar is among the most poisonous in the nation.
this caterpillar is among the most poisonous in the nation.
Joel Mathis said he spotted the insect in his backyard in Clermont.
Joel Mathis said he spotted the insect in his backyard in Clermont.
According to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida
According to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida
the puss caterpillar is common in Florida during the fall and spring on oak and elm trees
the puss caterpillar is common in Florida during the fall and spring on oak and elm trees
but is also found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas
but is also found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas
The puss caterpillar has deadly bristles wrapped in hair.
The puss caterpillar has deadly bristles wrapped in hair.
The agony from the caterpillar's sting is excruciating and spreads across the entire body.
The agony from the caterpillar's sting is excruciating and spreads across the entire body.