Brown-tail moth
Videos
The brown-tail moth is a moth of the family Erebidae. It is native to Europe, neighboring countries in Asia, and the north coast of Africa. Descriptions of outbreaks, i.e., large population increases
Euproctis chrysorrhoea 1
Euproctis chrysorrhoea
Caterpillar, dorsal view, showing two red dots near tail
Female
Urticating hair
Videos
Urticating hairs or urticating bristles are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, almost all New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars. Urtica is Latin for "
Brown-tail moth
…are identified as causing rashes in humans, including Euproctis baliolalis, Euproctis limbalis and Euproctis lutea (all three native to Australia). Urticating hairs, i.e., itch and rash-producing, are also reported for caterpillars of other moth and butterfly species. Brown-tail larvae have been reported as feeding…
Young Grammostola rosea showing patch of urticating hairs, reflecting a camera flash
Urticating hairs of a stinging nettle
The larvae of Eutricha capensis (family Lasiocampidae) are practically covered with urticating hairs; the most potent are the stiff, short, orange-maroon bands across the thorax.
Larva of Lonomia obliqua, the most toxicologically-significant species, to mammals, of its genus; stings are a medical emergency and require treatment with antivenom.