Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
August 16, 2002

    In a few weeks, Rowan County will be invaded by many types of  caterpillars. There are over 1400 kinds of moths and butterflies in this area and the larvae are feeding ferociously before pupating for the upcoming winter.
Two other caterpillars worth mentioning at this time of year are the puss caterpillar and the saddleback caterpillar.
These caterpillars are prevalent during late summer and do sting! These two have stings that have sent many to seek medical help, especially the very young and elderly.    

    The puss caterpillar is often found on oaks but can be found on other tree species such as plum, elm, sycamore and rose. It has yellow to reddish­ brown or gray hair and is not found in large numbers. It gets its name from its furry appearance.  Be wary of this caterpillar; it delivers a very powerful sting sending many to seek medical attention. Hidden among those furry cat­like hairs are poisonous spines.  I have had emergency personnel inquire about this insect as victims sometimes end up in the emergency room for treatment.

    Another caterpillar that delivers a powerful sting is the saddleback caterpillar.  It a very small, blue green insect with a brown or black spot in the middle of its back.  It can be found on many trees and ornamentals shrubs around the home. Both the puss and saddleback caterpillar are found in small numbers doing very minimal damage and little damage to host plants.  A person stung by a poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area to remove any insect hairs and poison that remain. An ice pack will help reduce swelling, and creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort and promote healing. Persons known to be sensitive to insect stings should consult a physician. Stinging caterpillars rarely occur in sufficient numbers to be considered plant pests, but people who work with ornamental plants should learn to recognize them and avoid touching them.

 Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information visit the Master Gardener Web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com or e­mail darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu.