r/whatisthisbug • u/peprjak24 • 2h ago
ID Request What is this?
I'm gardening today and this stung me. Am I now going to die? He was hiding behind that leaf i trimmed. Seriously, it stings like a wasp, probably the hairs and anything I can do to treat??
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u/SoFloBugs 2h ago
Saddleback Caterpillar. Ouch. Sorry to hear that...those can be pretty painful.. Id wash with soap and water. Maybe use some tape to make sure no hairs are still in. Baking Soda or ice can help with pain, or some antihistamine....and get it checked out if it doesn't get better and you don't feel well...I've been stung by my fair share,
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u/ahferroin7 2h ago
Acharia stimulea, commonly known as the saddleback caterpillar. You’re correct that it’s the hairs that sting, and you can at least limit how long it continues to hurt by using regular cellophane tape to pull any hairs still stuck in your skin out. Unless you start having issues breathing, you’re probably fine other than the pain.
Somewhat amusingly, despite the nasty sting and bright colors that make the larvae particularly noticeable, the adults are so completely boring that there is no common name for them.
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