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Venomous caterpillars swarm Florida
Tussock moth caterpillars, which are native to Florida, eventually become moths and serve important roles in the ecosystem, according to experts. FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - If you’ve spent any time outside lately, you may have noticed a tiny, fuzzy, uninvited guest covering cars, patio furniture, or local park benches.
What we know:
The insects are tussock moth caterpillars, which are native to Florida.
"They've always lived here," explained Akito Kawahara, director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the University of Florida. "We're living so close to their oak trees that they like it. This is why we have this sort of battle in the spring."
The caterpillars are feasting in the oak trees, so now, they’re looking for a nesting site to become a cocoon.
And they aren’t overly picky about where they do this — a trash can, a car tire, or the side of your house will do just fine.
"This is the peak season right now when you see all this stuff happening, and they're moving around," Kawahara added.
Dig deeper:
Tussock moth caterpillars have a unique appearance: a reddish head, long black hair, and four dense tufts of hair on their backs.
They might look cute and furry, but those hairs are a defense mechanism designed to ward off predators.
"It's called uricating hair. It's basically hair that’s a little bit like a needle," says Kawahara. "It can go into your skin, and some people have reactions toward them."
What you can do:
Experts are warning residents to keep their distance from these critters. But if you do accidentally brush up against one, experts recommend using a piece of everyday tape to gently press and pull the hair out of your skin.
The other side:
While it might be tempting to break out the bug spray, Kawahara urges residents to let them be because these insects play an important role in the Florida ecosystem:
- The caterpillar's frass (poop) is rich in nitrogen, providing essential nutrients to keep soil healthy.
- Certain birds and other predators know exactly how to bypass their hair for a quick snack.
- Once the caterpillars finally sprout wings and become moths, they can serve as a food source for local bat populations.
"So, despite the negativity that we sometimes get from these caterpillars, they are part of our ecosystem," Kawahara said.
What's next:
Experts say in about two weeks, most of the tussock moth caterpillars will be done, depending on where you live.
The Source: Information was gathered for this story through an interview with the director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the University of Florida.