Don't mess with caterpillars (NF)

[Joey]

Today did not go as planned. Up early to fish Lake Ontario, but the forecast and radar showed thunderstorms, so we didn't go. So I decided to do some gardening instead. Just as I start, I see this really cool caterpillar so grabbed the camera and snapped some photos.

 

 

 

I even looked it up online and found it to be a dagger moth caterpillar. Anyhow, off with my gardening and when finished, I sat down to read a book on my patio furniture. Awhile later, I feel something on my back and thought it was a spider or ant, so give it a good whack and it is the caterpillar (don't worry, it lived). I flick it off and immediately feel pain in my back and hand. I look in the mirror and my back is all red. I clean the area and change my top and still feel pain, kinda like cactus needles. I check my new shirt and there are little yellow hairs all over it where it was touching my skin.

 

I read up on it and find out that these bristles are toxic and can give you a nasty rash. I do what they say and put sticky tape on my skin and rip off, but now, several hours later, it is still red, sore and feels like there are little hairs brushing against my clothes. Apparently, I may get a nasty rash on my face and neck now

 

So, the moral of my story, don't mess with caterpillars

Edited August 7, 2011 by Joey

[Roy]

That ain't so good. Ummm, do you need a mirror to take a pic of your back? Give Paul some tweezers and tell him to get busy.

[Dave Bailey]

Take some antihistamines, might help lessen the reaction. Thanks for the warning!

[danc]

Sorry about the situation Joey, but that is a great photo of the accused.

[Joey]

but that is a great photo of the accused.

 

 

Well there's that

 

 

 

 

thanks guys

[mercman]

Wow !! Thats nasty!

You never know whats out there in our gardens. Hope you arent allergic. Keep us posted

[Terry]

the things people go through to get photos

[Joey]

the things people go through to get photos

 

 

[BillM]

Now that's a dedicated photographer, lol!!

 

Get out the Benadryl!

[ChrisK]

Heck Joey, if you didn't have bad luck you wouldn't have any at all...We are just going to have to put you in a plastic bubble girl....

Now go and change your signature to, Damn you yellow caterpillars !

[Rod Caster]

Darn mini-porcupines! Hopefully its a minor rash.

[Jewelbee]

I had that happen before! NEVER touch the buggers anymore!