Brown caterpillars are worm-like larvae with furry, smooth, or patterned bodies. The long cylindrical insects may look brown and drab, but they transform into stunning moths or butterflies. Although most brown caterpillars are harmless, some species of brown furry caterpillars have stinging hairs or spines that can cause a nasty skin rash if you handle them.
Like all caterpillar species, brown caterpillars are a type of insect belonging to the order Lepidoptera. A caterpillar’s life cycle starts as an egg that hatches into a larva. Brown caterpillars are known for their insatiable appetite, and they feed on plant leaves, sometimes causing a great deal of damage. Brown caterpillars then pupate and go through metamorphosis into butterflies or moths.
When identifying a brown caterpillar, it’s good to remember that the insects go through several instars (growth stages). During these stages, a caterpillar’s appearance and color can change dramatically. For example, some large caterpillars are brown before pupation but are bright green in their previous instars.
This article is a comprehensive guide to common types of brown caterpillars. Descriptions and pictures of brown caterpillar features will help you identify these worm-like creatures on ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs.
Brown Caterpillar Identification
Brown caterpillars can be identified by their brown color, three pairs of true legs, and several stumpy-looking prolegs (false legs). Brown caterpillars typically have segmented bodies, and they can be furry, smooth, or have spiny protrusions. Some unusual hairless brown caterpillars have eye-like markings, giving them a strange appearance.
Looking at brown caterpillars can also help to identify stinging caterpillars. For example, the brown hag moth caterpillar is covered in stinging hairs and looks like a dried leaf. Also, the brown-tail moth caterpillar has a dark brown body with tufts of spines that cause a nasty skin rash.
Types of Brown Caterpillars With Names and Pictures (Identification Guide)
The best way to identify species of brown caterpillars is to look at pictures of the crawling insects and learn about their behavior and habitat. Here is a list of some of the types of brown caterpillars you are likely to find in the garden.
Brown-Tail Moth Caterpillar (Euproctis chrysorrhoea)
The brown-tail moth caterpillar has white marking and stinging hairs on its body
The brown-tail moth caterpillar has a slender, dark brown body and two identifiable orange-red spots on its back is covered in stinging orange or yellow hairs. The brown-tail moth caterpillar has two recognizable white stripes along its back and reddish-brown markings on the segments. Brown-tail moth caterpillars grow 1.5” (38 mm) long.
Brown-tail moth caterpillars are a type of stinging caterpillar covered in tufts of long urticating spines. You can find these brown larvae on oak trees, maple trees, birch, ash, and various types of fruit trees. The brown larvae overwinter in webs dangling at the end of branches.
Brown caterpillar identification
Brown-tail caterpillars have a dark brown body with white markings and have two prominent red spots in the middle of their backs. The slender brown insects are covered in tufts or dark yellow or orange hairs.
Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
The woolly bear caterpillar is a furry caterpillar with black and orange or brown hairs
The woolly bear caterpillar is a furry caterpillar species with an orange-brown band around the center of its body and black bands at its head and tail. The black and brown caterpillar looks spiny and dangerous, but it’s not a stinging caterpillar. The fuzzy larvae measure 2.3” (60 mm) long.
Also called the banded woolly bear or black-ended bear caterpillar, the common North American caterpillar is found on milkweed, elms, asters, birch trees, and sunflowers. The fuzzy caterpillar is also common in Florida. After pupating, the brown and black caterpillar turns into an orangey-brown moth with black spots on its abdomen.
Related reading: Types of black and orange caterpillars.
Brown caterpillar identification
The woolly bear caterpillar is identified by short spiky tufts of brown and black hairs covering its body, making it easy to recognize.
Yellow Woolly Bear (Spilosoma virginica)
The yellow woolly bear caterpillar has irritating fuzzy hairs and it can vary in color from dark to light brown, and even yellow or orange
The yellow woolly bear is a furry brown caterpillar covered in tufts of irritating spines. This woolly bear species is usually a dark brown to creamy yellow color of the larva. The hairy tufts can be yellow; however, orange-red or even black variations are also common. Yellow woolly bear brown larvae measure 2” (50 mm) long.
Although the yellow woolly bear has long pencil-like spines, it’s not classed as a stinging caterpillar. However, the hairy tufts can cause irritation when handled. In addition, the fuzzy brown caterpillars can damage the foliage of low-growing, ground cover plants. Yellow woolly bears are active from May through November.
Brown caterpillar identification
The yellow woolly bear caterpillar is identified by its brown to tan-colored body covered in spiny tufts of yellow or orangey-red hairs.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
The brown and white eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar displays an orange defensive organ (osmeteria) when it is threatened
The caterpillar of the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly has two color forms — brown and green. During the first three growth stages (instars), the caterpillar is a chocolate brown color. It has a large white spot called a saddle around the middle of its abdomen. The brown and white caterpillar measures 2.2” (55 mm) long.
As the large plump brown caterpillar matures, it becomes a dark green caterpillar with unusual black, yellow, and blue eye markings. There are also small antennae-like spikes on the caterpillar’s tail. Before entering the pupal stage, the eastern tiger swallowtail will turn dark brown again.
Depending on the instar, pictures of the caterpillar may show it as a type of green caterpillar or brown caterpillar.
Brown caterpillar identification
The eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar is a hairless brown caterpillar with a white band around its middle and two small false eyes.
Pearl Crescent Caterpillar (Phyciodes tharos)
The pearl crescent caterpillar is identified by its dark brown body, tiny white dots and small spiky hairs
The caterpillar of the pearl crescent butterfly has a dark chocolate brown body with white dots, and eight rows of spiky brown hairs. The fat brown caterpillar has a small black head, and it raises its front end in a defensive position. The pearl crescent caterpillar measures 1.5” (38 mm) long.
The pearl crescent caterpillar is often found feeding on aster leaves. The spiky brown larvae can do tremendous damage by defoliating plants and skeletonizing their leaves. After pupating, the dark brown caterpillars turn into beautiful orange and black butterflies.
Brown caterpillar identification
A pearl crescent caterpillar is chocolate brown, with a white mid-dorsal line that is more visible as the caterpillar matures. They have tiny white dots and eight rows of brown spines.
Ruby Tiger Caterpillar (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
The ruby tiger caterpillar has orange-brown hairs and a yellow line along its back
The caterpillar of the ruby tiger moth is a furry orangey-brown crawling insect with a dark gray or blackish-brown head. Like many species of fuzzy caterpillars, the bug’s body is covered in tufts of stinging hairs and spines. Ruby tiger moth caterpillars measure 1.2” (30 mm) long.
Ruby tiger caterpillars are active in spring before transforming into furry orange moths. You will often find ruby tiger larvae feeding on the foliage growing on willow shrubs, cabbage, berry bushes, broadleaf plantain, and clover.
Brown caterpillar identification
A ruby tiger caterpillar is identified by its light reddish-brown covering of hairs and a yellowish band along its back.
Imperial Moth Caterpillar (Eacles imperialis)
The large imperial moth caterpillar has dark brown body with spines and pale yellow spots along its sides
The caterpillar from the imperial moth is a sizable spiny larva with a dark brown and burgundy body with a row of yellow dots along its sides. Pictures show that the brown caterpillar has spikes on each segment and is covered in thin, wispy filaments. The massive brown caterpillar grows up to 5.5” (10 cm) long.
The imperial moth caterpillar goes through several instars before becoming a sizable yellow moth. The larvae emerge dark orange with black bands. They then darken in color and grow larger throughout each instar. Before pupation, they are giant dark brown or bright green caterpillars covered in spines.
Brown caterpillar identification
Brown imperial moth caterpillars are identified by a row of yellowish oval circles, fine hairs, and several fleshy spines covered in white dots.
Pandora Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha pandorus)
The large pandora sphinx moth caterpillar is identified by its smooth brown body and white spots on each side
The caterpillar from the pandora sphinx moth is a large, hairless brown caterpillar with large five or six white oval spots along each side. The brown, white-spotted caterpillar has a characteristic curled horn at the tail end of its abdomen. Before pupating, the large, dark cinnamon-brown caterpillars measure 3.5” (89 mm).
After pupation, the large brown caterpillar emerges as an olive green moth that looks like a leaf. The caterpillar feeds on grape foliage and Virginia creeper plants and is found through the Midwest and Eastern North America – from Nova Scotia to South Florida.
Brown caterpillar identification
The pandora sphinx moth caterpillar is identified as a large, smooth-bodied cinnamon-colored larva with black dots around its head, oval white markings, and a curly tail.
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
The viceroy caterpillar has brown, orange and white body with spiky horns at its head
The caterpillar from the viceroy butterfly is an ugly-looking patchy orange and brown caterpillar with a distinctive white marking on its abdomen. Its body has bumps, bristles, spiky antennae, and a patchy appearance. Due to the white abdominal patch, the brown viceroy caterpillar looks like bird droppings.
Despite its unsightly appearance, the brown and white caterpillar emerges as a stunning orange and black butterfly that resembles the monarch butterfly.
Brown caterpillar identification
The viceroy moth caterpillar has an orange-brown color with spiky horns at its head and a white and gray patch giving the appearance of bird droppings.
Striped Garden Caterpillar (Trichordestra legitima)
The striped garden caterpillar is identified by its dull light brown smooth body with creamy-white or yellow stripes
The striped garden caterpillar is a slender brown caterpillar with light yellowish stripes running down its body. This species of striped caterpillar has an orangy-brown rounded head and a slightly tapered tail end. Before pupation, the worm-like striped caterpillar measures around 1.4” (35 mm) long.
Brown caterpillar identification
The striped garden caterpillar is identified as a pale brown worm-like bug with bright yellow or creamy white stripes running the length of its sides.
American Painted Lady Butterfly Caterpillar (Vanessa virginiensis)
The American painted lady caterpillar has pale yellow stripes on its brown body with red and white dots
The caterpillar from the American painted lady butterfly has a dark brownish body with yellow bands, white dots, and several spiny spikes with a red base. You’ll also notice a creamy white line running the length of its body. Full-grown caterpillars measure 1.4” (35 mm) long.
The colorful spiky caterpillar often destroys the foliage on ironweed, asters, and pussytoes. As with many types of stripy, spiky caterpillars, there is variation in the colors.
Brown caterpillar identification
The American painted lady butterfly caterpillar is identified by its dark brown to black body with yellow and black rings, red and white dots, and spiny appearance.
Unicorn Moth Caterpillar (Schizura unicornis)
The unicorn moth caterpillar has a mottled brown body with 2 green segments near its front horn
The caterpillar from the unicorn moth is a plump brown bug with a dark brown mottled pattern on its body and two green segments near the head. This brown caterpillar’s features are its pointed triangular tail end, thin black spines, and conspicuous horn near the front. This brown larva grows up to 1.5” (38 mm) long.
You can often find the unicorn moth caterpillar on birch trees, apple trees, elm trees, and willow trees from May until October.
Brown caterpillar identification
The unicorn moth caterpillar has a mottled brown pattern, two bright green segments, and a horn-like protuberance near the rounded head.
Yellow-Striped Armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
A picture of yellow-striped armyworm with wasp eggs on its brown body
Also called the cotton cutworm, the brown, yellow-striped armyworm is a sizable fat caterpillar growing up to 1.4” (35 mm) long. The worm-like caterpillar has a brown body with two recognizable yellow stripes along its back. The caterpillar is also covered in white dots with small random black patches on its body.
The gregarious caterpillars skeletonize foliage of tomato, cotton, onions, cabbage, and other vegetables and crops. After pupation, the brown caterpillar emerges as an attractive furry brown moth.
Brown caterpillar identification
The yellow-striped armyworm is identified as a brown caterpillar with a continuous yellow stripe along each side. The larva has a small, rounded head and a light-colored inverted V-shape on the face.
European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)
The European corn borer has a dull pale brown smooth body with small spots and dark brown-black head
The caterpillar from the European corn borer moth is a light, yellowish-brown caterpillar with small round spots on its segmented body. The small tan-colored caterpillars have a black head and lack any identifiable spines or hairs. The small, destructive larva measures between 0.08” and 0.8” (2 – 20 mm) as it matures.
As its name suggests, this plant-eating bug feeds on grain plants, mainly corn (maize). The boring caterpillar buries into plant stems and chews through various plant parts as it destroys crops.
Brown caterpillar identification
The brown European corn borer caterpillar has a beige-brown, slender body and a blackish-brown head.
Southern Flannel Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis)
The small Southern flannel caterpillar is one of the fluffiest types of furry caterpillars with light brown hairs
The caterpillar from the southern flannel moth is a brown hairy caterpillar covered in hair-like bristles (setae). The furry caterpillar is a sandy-brown or golden-brown color, and the seemingly soft hair hides venomous spines. The small fuzzy venomous caterpillar only measures around 1” (25 mm) long.
Other names for this unusual stinging caterpillar include puss caterpillar, fire caterpillar, and woolly slug. These common names come from the caterpillar’s resemblance to a soft Persian cat — hence the name puss. Fire caterpillar gets its name from the stinging spines.
Brown caterpillar identification
The southern flannel caterpillar is a hairy caterpillar with soft golden-brown setae. The puss caterpillar has a broad, rounded head and a tapered tail end.
Puss Moth (Cerura vinula)
The fat brown puss moth caterpillar has white lines and unusual forked tail
The puss moth caterpillar is a large, bloated-looking brown caterpillar with bright white lines over its abdomen. The unusual caterpillar is only chocolatey-brown during its final stage before pupation. This striking larva is identified by its forked tail and habit of raising its head and extending pinkish whiplike antennae when threatened.
Each stage of the puss moth caterpillar’s growth is different. Immature, the caterpillar is black with a long tail. Then it becomes bright green with a strange face-like marking on its head. Then it becomes dark brown before pupation.
Brown caterpillar identification
In its final stage, the puss moth caterpillar is dark brown with two identifiable white stripes along its back.
Pink-Spotted Hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata)
The large pink-spotted hawkmoth caterpillar has dark brown body with orange lines and creamy patterns and pointed tail
The caterpillar from the pink-spotted hawkmoth is a large, stout, horned caterpillar. The most common color of this species is a dark brown, almost black color with cream triangular shapes along its sides and two orange lines along its back. The enormous brown caterpillar can grow around 3.14” (8 cm) long.
The large caterpillar is found throughout the United States feeding on sweet potato, morning glory, and jimson weed leaves.
Brown caterpillar identification
The pink-spotted hawkmoth caterpillar has a dark brown, hairless body with identifiable triangular markings, dorsal stripes, and a pointed tail.
Monkey Slug Caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium)
The light brown monkey slug caterpillar has an unusual shape with irritating hairs
One of the strangest-looking hairy caterpillars is the monkey slug caterpillar. This light brown-colored caterpillar looks as if it has hairy arms and resembles a squashed hairy spider.
The stinging hairs on the monkey slug caterpillars can cause skin irritation. In some people, an allergic skin reaction may happen from handling a Monkey slug caterpillar.
Brown Caterpillar Identification
It’s easy to identify a monkey slug caterpillar because there is no other insect larva like it. Its body looks like a light brown squashed hairy spider with leg-like protrusions of various sizes along its sides. The tiny brown hairy caterpillars grow up to 1” (2.5 cm).
Related articles:
- Types of Striped Caterpillars – Identification
- Black and Yellow Caterpillars – Identification
- Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars
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FAQs
What is a brown hairy caterpillar? ›
This caterpillar is also known as the woolly bear - for good reason! It has a dense coat of long hairs all over its body. The hairs are chestnut brown on the sides and white along the back, turning black closer to the body.
Are hairy brown caterpillars poisonous? ›There are many different species of caterpillar, but the two considered toxic are generally taken to mean the brown-tail and the oak processionary moths. Brown-tail moths are covered with brownish hairs which can easily break off, causing intense irritation and rash if they come into contact with human skin.
What kind of caterpillar is brown? ›| Name | Identification |
|---|---|
| Pale tiger moth | Dense light brown fur |
| Tiger swallowtail | Smooth, small false eye-spots behind head |
| Giant swallowtail | Resembles bird dropping |
| Puss moth | Very dense hair that resembles Elvis's pompadour |
Brown caterpillars are worm-like larvae with furry, smooth, or patterned bodies. The long cylindrical insects may look brown and drab, but they transform into stunning moths or butterflies.
How do I identify my caterpillar? ›To identify a caterpillar, start by examining the color of its body and any markings that it has. Then, note the density of the tiny hairs on its body, and look for any distinct physical features, like head horns, spines, or a curled tail.
What caterpillar is brown and black? ›The most common black and brown fuzzy caterpillar is known as the woolly bear caterpillar, which turns into a tiger moth species when mature. You watch this "bear" turn into a "tiger" by keeping one as an insect pet during the larval stage.
What are poisonous caterpillars? ›While most caterpillars are harmless, there are several types of venomous caterpillars in the United States that can cause misery to humans who touch them. Among them are the saddleback, io moth, puss, gypsy moth, flannel moth, slug, spiny oak slug, and buck moth caterpillars.
How do I tell if a caterpillar is poisonous? ›Caterpillars that are brightly colored, have spines or hairs are probably venomous and should not be touched. "If it is in a place where it can cause problems, clip off the leaf or use a stick to relocate it," Ric Bessin, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, tells USA TODAY.
What caterpillars can you touch? ›Most caterpillars are perfectly safe to handle. Painted lady and swallowtail caterpillars are common examples. Even the monarch butterfly caterpillar, though toxic if eaten, does nothing more than tickle you when held.
What's the most poisonous caterpillar? ›The caterpillar has been responsible for many human deaths, especially in southern Brazil. Its venom has been the subject of numerous medical studies. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Guinness World Records classified the Lonomia obliqua as the most venomous caterpillar in the world.
What does a brown caterpillar mean? ›
According to weather folklore, the more black on a woolly worm in the fall means a longer, colder, and possibly snowier winter, to come. If there is more brown, especially in the middle of the worm, that's a sign of a mild winter.
What looks like a caterpillar but isn t? ›Sawfly larvae look an awful lot like true caterpillars (which turn into moths or butterflies), but these creatures are actually related to ants, bees and wasps. In contrast, adult sawflies have a distinct wasp-like appearance which hints at the true evolutionary relationships of these creatures.
What does a brown caterpillar eat? ›They eat various herbs, weeds and native plants including asters, dandelions, clovers, lambs quarters, nettles and violets. They might also graze the garden for greens like cabbage and spinach, or climb a tree for maple, elm and birch leaves.
What color caterpillars are poisonous? ›One of the most toxic and deadliest caterpillars is the Giant Silkworm moth or South American Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua). These extremely toxic larvae can grow up to 2” (5.5 cm) long and be shades of green or brown. Their bodies are covered with urticating spines that contain potentially deadly poison.
What kind of caterpillar turns into a butterfly? ›Cecropia Moth, Hyalophora cecropia.
Can caterpillars bite people? ›Yes, caterpillars can bite you. However, caterpillars are harmless, except for the stinging caterpillars. Stinging caterpillars can be dangerous if they bite you. These caterpillars also have venom sacs that release venom upon contacting the skin of their victim.
Is there an app to identify a caterpillar? ›Based on David Wagner's renowned Princeton field guide, Caterpillars of Eastern North America, this exciting new app is the ultimate digital pocket guide for quickly and easily identifying the most common native caterpillar species in eastern North America—and for keeping a personalized log of your sightings!
How do you tell if a caterpillar is a moth or butterfly? ›A fuzzy or hairy caterpillar ambling through your garden is a moth-to-be. Butterfly caterpillars aren't fuzzy or hairy, but they may have spikes. However, if the caterpillar has smooth skin, it could be either.
What are the different kinds of caterpillars? ›Caterpillar
What does a woolly bear caterpillar look like? ›In terms of appearance, the caterpillar has 13 distinct segments of either rusty brown or black. Often, it is black on both ends with rust-colored segments in the middle, although it may sometimes be mostly black or mostly rust. (Note: All-black, all-white, or yellow woolly caterpillars are not woolly bears!
What color Wooly worm means bad winter? ›
Woolly Bear Folklore:
The longer the woolly bear's black bands, the longer, colder, snowier, and more severe the winter will be. Similarly, the wider the middle brown band is associated with a milder upcoming winter.
Black and brown caterpillars such as the Woolly Bear aren't poisonous or a stinging variety. Usually, handling one of these fuzzy worm-like creatures with their spiky tufts of hair may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis. One characteristic of the Woolly Bear caterpillar is its defense mechanism.
What happens if you touch a caterpillar? ›The fuzzy tufts on caterpillars are what can cause a rash. These tiny hairs are called setae . In some people, these hairs cause an allergic reaction when they touch the skin. These symptoms can appear within minutes and last for one or more days.
What happens if a dog eats a caterpillar? ›Oral exposures, while not common, are definitely possible and may lead to drooling, head shaking, pawing due to discomfort, gastritis, esophagitis, difficulty swallowing, enteritis and tongue, lip and oral irritation. Treatment for a pet exposed to a caterpillar is largely symptomatic and supportive.
How many caterpillars are poisonous? ›North and South America are exceptionally lucky (or unlucky) in this regard: one can meet more than 15 species of poisonous caterpillars there, and the ones in South America are considered extremely dangerous.
What do the hairy caterpillars turn into? ›Fuzzy caterpillars usually develop into moths. Caterpillars that will one day become butterflies can be spiny or spiky, but are rarely of the full furry version like woolly bears.
What to do if you get stung by a hairy caterpillar? ›Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Create a paste using baking soda and water and slather it on the affected skin to reduce itching. A hydrocortisone cream also may be used. Take an oral antihistamine (such as Benadryl®) if the reaction to the sting worsens.
Are all hairy caterpillars poisonous? ›Caterpillars covered with hair or bristles, with one exception, are rarely poisonous. The “fuzzy-wuzzy” caterpillar that predicts winter cold is not poisonous nor is the gypsy moth or your tent caterpillar.
What are poisonous caterpillars? ›While most caterpillars are harmless, there are several types of venomous caterpillars in the United States that can cause misery to humans who touch them. Among them are the saddleback, io moth, puss, gypsy moth, flannel moth, slug, spiny oak slug, and buck moth caterpillars.
How do I identify my caterpillar? ›To identify a caterpillar, start by examining the color of its body and any markings that it has. Then, note the density of the tiny hairs on its body, and look for any distinct physical features, like head horns, spines, or a curled tail.
What kind of caterpillar turns into a butterfly? ›
Cecropia Moth, Hyalophora cecropia.
What's the most poisonous caterpillar? ›The caterpillar has been responsible for many human deaths, especially in southern Brazil. Its venom has been the subject of numerous medical studies. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Guinness World Records classified the Lonomia obliqua as the most venomous caterpillar in the world.
What kind of caterpillars are not poisonous? ›The cecropia moth caterpillar, one of the largest and most impressive species in North America, is completely harmless and does not sting.
What does a gypsy moth bite look like? ›The rash looks similar to that caused by poison ivy and can sting. “Most of the time, the gypsy moth rash is a little red and itchy,” explained Rochester Regional Health dermatologist, Dr. Gian Vinelli. “The rash can be treated with an over-the-counter cortisone cream and should disappear in a few days.
What kills caterpillars naturally? ›Neem oil (oil pressed from neem fruit) is a potent insecticide and insect repellent. Dilute 2 ounces (3 centiliters) of neem oil in a gallon of lukewarm water (4 liters). Spray in the evening. Neem oil will suffocate the caterpillars and they will die off within hours.
What spray kills caterpillars? ›Caterpillar Control
To treat against caterpillars, you can spray any plants, trees, and shrubs that the caterpillars eat with either Bonide Thuricide or Dipel Pro. Both products contain a non-toxic bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis that destroys the stomach lining of the caterpillars.
It might be because there's just a lot of pollen and a lot of fresh new leaves. And so there's more food for them. And when there's a lot more food, the babies all survive.
How do I tell if a caterpillar is poisonous? ›Caterpillars that are brightly colored, have spines or hairs are probably venomous and should not be touched. "If it is in a place where it can cause problems, clip off the leaf or use a stick to relocate it," Ric Bessin, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, tells USA TODAY.
How many types of poisonous caterpillars are there? ›North and South America are exceptionally lucky (or unlucky) in this regard: one can meet more than 15 species of poisonous caterpillars there, and the ones in South America are considered extremely dangerous.
What happens if you touch a caterpillar? ›The fuzzy tufts on caterpillars are what can cause a rash. These tiny hairs are called setae . In some people, these hairs cause an allergic reaction when they touch the skin. These symptoms can appear within minutes and last for one or more days.