Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar

Fibers from cocoon cause skin irritation!

[UPDATE: The filaments are called urticating hairs; tarantulas and some caterpillars use them for defense. I found a thread on arachnoboards.com that seems to indicate that no one knows yet whether the irritation is caused by the physical effects of the barbed hairs, or whether the hairs have a chemical irritant like the urushiol in poison ivy or perhaps a protein that causes an allergic reaction. I've found nothing in JSTOR about research into the specific causes of the skin irritation. Again, any information would be appreciated.]

On Saturday while I was babysitting my nephew we found a cocoon on a block of wood. He and his sister poked at it, and later complained of irritation in their hands. The filaments protruding from the cocoon had gotten lodged in their skin; it reminded me of the filaments from the dreaded teddy bear cholla in Arizona. We got the filaments out using duct tape, but he's still having a skin reaction. I haven't been able to find anything yet with Google. If anyone has encountered this problem before, I would appreciate hearing from you. My sister is taking him to the doctor today, but I don't have a lot of faith in doctors these days.

Thanks,

-Hugh Yeman

The initial effects are prima
The initial effects are primarily from venom on the hairs. The type of venom depends on the species. Later effects, such as blistering, seem to be a response to the physical irritation from the hairs themselves lodged in the skin- so the duct tape was a good idea. The reactions are generally mild and will run their course like most other rashes, but their doctor may have some tips on topical medications that will soothe the skin until it's gone. These are not dangerous reactions, and I think it's great that you were helping these little ones explore the natural world- I really hope this doesn't stop your future explorations.

 
Thanks to both of you
...and no, it certainly wouldn't discourage me. However, his mother is quite protective, so I worry that she'll fret even more about me taking her son out into nature. That's why I asked her to save the cocoon; I want to take pictures of it, along with whatever may emerge, so that he can have a record of his adventure. :)

 
You're welcome
If you take any pictures of the cocoon, consider posting it to the BugGuide ID request. Also, I'm always eager to see venom reactions that can be linked to particular species if you have any pictures of the rash. If you do, my e-mail for skin reaction pictures is venom@tulane.edu.

 
Followup, with picture of hairs and further research
I'm afraid I wasn't able to get any pictures of the rash, but I did stumble upon some shots of the hairs that I didn't even know I'd taken! This journal entry shows a good shot, along with some of the followup reading I did.

Yes, several caterpillars with stinging hairs
Here are some Info pages which might direct you to more information:
Flannel Moths has a link to info.
and some links on Hemileuca

Comment viewing options
Select your preferred way to display the comments and click 'Save settings' to activate your changes.