Random Pictures Thread

Couldn't figure out why my back was burning the other day... took a duce after lunch and found this guy on my shirt. Still have an outline of it on my lower back.

20230710_131305.webp
 
i'm still at a loss as to what that is
It is a larval form (caterpillar) of the Southern flannel moth (Megalpyge opercularis), which is truly an ADORABLE moth! Did Lil Mikey really just call a moth adorable? It is so fuzzy and cute that you just want to reach out and pet the adult. The adult (moth) is fine to touch and pet - but the caterpillar is another matter altogether! It looks all nice and furry and adorable also, but that cute fur hides some serious stinging spines. It is one of the more venomous species in the US. You are not going to die from a sting, but you might wish you would - some intense burning pain and if it gets you on a sensitive patch of skin - wowzers!
 
It is a larval form (caterpillar) of the Southern flannel moth (Megalpyge opercularis), which is truly an ADORABLE moth! Did Lil Mikey really just call a moth adorable? It is so fuzzy and cute that you just want to reach out and pet the adult. The adult (moth) is fine to touch and pet - but the caterpillar is another matter altogether! It looks all nice and furry and adorable also, but that cute fur hides some serious stinging spines. It is one of the more venomous species in the US. You are not going to die from a sting, but you might wish you would - some intense burning pain and if it gets you on a sensitive patch of skin - wowzers!

UKy Venomous Caterpillars in the US

The one that used to get me in Panama looked a lot like the one they call a Hag Moth caterpillar on that web site. We learned real fast to watch for those things when we went into the bush.
 
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