Saddleback Caterpillars

                             

     IAN'S BUG LOG:

   SADDLEBACK CATERPILLARS

         These little buggers pack a wallop, hurting more than a wasp sting. And I can tell you from experience, they are not very friendly. These little green caterpillars have poisonous spines covering their body, with horn-like flesh stubs on either side. But don't worry, they're not very dangerous to humans. They are painful, however, and will cause swelling and maybe even a rash to occur. I luckily only brushed this little devil, yet it still sent me running. From what I've read, the caterpillars mostly reside under the leaves in gardens and plants. But, if you're in Florida like we are, watch out! I was stung while sitting in a wooden play jeep at our campground's playground. I lowered my hand to “shift gears” when I felt a sudden severe sting, and I yelped and looked down, seeing this creepazoid on my shirt. Eewww.....   If you do get stung, don't panic, like I did. (heh, heh.) Simply wash it with soap and water, and if you think one of it's spines is in your skin, take some tape or the sticky part of a band-aid, and put it on the stinger, ripping it off immediately. Continue with different pieces of tape or band-aid (I used tape, less wasteful) to lessen the spread of infection.  And, don't worry, once again these bugs may hurt but the worse they can do to us is really only give us a rash. So, just a recap; garden, green, spines, hot dog. See you later! Mm, now I'm hungry....