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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Moths » Noctuoidea » Tiger Moths (Arctiidae) » Tiger Moths (Arctiinae) » Phaegopterini » Halysidota » Sycamore Tussock Moth - Hodges#8204 (Halysidota harrisii)
Photo#1808
Harris' Tussock Moth Caterpillar - Halysidota harrisii
Copyright © 2003 Troy Bartlett

Harris' Tussock Moth Caterpillar - Halysidota harrisii
Big Creek Greenway, Alpharetta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA
September 16, 2003
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Contributed by Troy Bartlett on 16 February, 2004 - 1:15pm

Harris' Tussock Moth Caterpillar - Halysidota harrisii
I was just wondering if anyone new if this is a stinging caterpiller, or what kind of reaction they have towards humans, cause I have a rash and I think it came from one of these caterpillers, and I need to know wheather or not I need to go to the DR. I would appreciate anyinformation I could get. Thank you!
… Tabatha, 8 July, 2004 - 11:05am login or register to post comments

 
Stinging?
This page from Auburn University specifically says they are not stinging.
This page from the University of Vermont Extension notes that other caterpillars in the same genus are stinging or at least irritating. This one, in particular:


So probably not, but possibly, particularly if you misidentified and its really another similar species. Also, any person may have an allergic reaction to just about anything, so you might be sensitive while the general public is not. I would say if you're concerned, follow up, particularly if the condition persists more than a few days.
… Troy Bartlett, 8 July, 2004 - 2:22pm login or register to post comments

 
happened on July 4th
It was either the Harris' Tussock moth caterpillar-Halysidota harrisii or the Banded Tussock moth caterpillar-Halysidota tessellaris, or one very similar. It fell from the tree above me and landed on my neck, not knowing what had hit me i brushed it off,right after I started getting a burning sensation and stinging sensation and ever since then I have been itching in the spot that I found the caterpillar and there is a lot of tiny bumps there and they itch like crazy! Just curious cause I am pregnant and do not want anything to happen, if you know what I mean! Thank you for your information! Tabatha
… Tabatha, 8 July, 2004 - 3:32pm login or register to post comments

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