“Assassin caterpillar” or, in Spanish, “taturana”—these are the names appointed to caterpillars of the genus Lonomia. It’s a name rightfully deserved: Species of the South American genus Lonomia are of medical significance due to their larval forms that may cause severe envenomation and even death to humans. Lonomia is often considered to be the most venomous genus of Lepidoptera, in particular L. obliqua, of which the hemotoxin is known to inflict severe envenomation and cause disseminated intravascular coagulation and haemorrhagic disease in victims.
Despite their medical significance, not much is known about Lonomia species’ life cycles and biology. The deadly hemotoxic effects of Lonomia caterpillars have only been scientifically described in two species, namely the L. obliqua and L. achelous, while the genus currently contains 32 described species.
First, it is important to know that the potential deadly hemotoxic effects suffered by victims of larval stings also have a positive side: The potent blood thinning property of the toxins may have several interesting medical applications, which is the reason several laboratories around the world have already started to look into the venom. This, combined with their medical significance, gives us all the more reason to study these moths.
In the latest study, we explore the life cycle of the L. electra from Costa Rica, delve into the life cycle of these Saturniidae moths, share a few observations to spread awareness on Lonomia moths, and explain what motivates an entomologist to test the venom of potentially dangerous caterpillars on his own skin.
The subfamily of Hemileucinae among Saturniidae, consisting of roughly 630 species and unique to the continents of North and South America, characteristically contains larvae bearing toxic spines. Lonomia, often considered to be the most venomous, is included in this subfamily. After obtaining live material from Costa Rica, L. electra was bred in captivity for three generations, and the morphology and development time of all the early life stages (eggs, all larval instar, pupae) and even adult moths were recorded—a labor-intensive task considering the slow development rate of the larvae. (In captivity the larvae were reared from egg to pupae in about 130 days’ time on the host plant Ligustrum ovalifolium).
The highly gregarious larvae demonstrate social behavior and travel and feed together in large groups. Larvae were tested by carefully pressing and rubbing the venomous spines of each larval instar on the author’s skin. In regard to safety, larvae were first tested carefully by making contact with only a few spines at the same time and looking for hemotoxic effects, increasing the surface area (and thus dose of venom) over time. Most incidents of victims suffering serious envenomation are due to coming into contact with larger congregations of these larvae. Interestingly, after carefully testing, the effect of the venomous spines on human skin, this species demonstrated no hemotoxic effects in the form of bruises or internal bleeding, though a burning sensation and contact hives were experienced.
Clearly, the effects of the toxins of Lonomia seem to be very variable per incident and per species, if we compare this to some species in literature. Hopefully, investigations will continue and more information will be revealed about the nature and properties of the venom of the larvae of these incredibly fascinating moths.
It's a name rightfully deserved: Species of the South American genus Lonomia are of medical significance due to their larval forms that may cause severe envenomation and even death to humans. Lonomia is often considered to be the most venomous genus of Lepidoptera, in particular L.
Moths are generally peaceful creatures. They do not attack or try to hurt humans and they just keep to themselves. They do not bite or sting, unlike wasps, spiders, or ants. They do cause economic damages and are certainly a nuisance to have around the house.
Lepidopterism is a term that refers to a spectrum of medical conditions in humans that usually involve the skin and result from contact with the adult or larval forms of certain butterflies and moths [1,2]. Caterpillars are the worm-like, larval forms of butterflies and moths of the insect order Lepidoptera.
They have venomous spines that can cause a painful sting and inflammation lasting for several days. In some cases, the sting may cause headache, nausea, and shock-like symptoms.
No, adult moths do not bite. Moths are mostly harmless, fluttering insects. Because a moth's mouth parts are so small, it is not physically possible for it to bite a human, with few exceptions, including the “vampire moth." The most that will happen is the moth will leave behind a little dust as it flies away.
Raised Bumps or Papules: Moth bites may manifest as small, raised bumps or papules on the skin. These can be similar in appearance to mosquito bites. Potential Rash: In some cases, especially if there are multiple bites in the same area, a rash may develop. The rash may consist of clusters of red, raised bumps.
Pestilent Moths are safe to touch but some types of moths have spiny hairs that can become lodged in your skin if you touch them. These small hairs are harmless but may cause an allergy-like reaction similar to hives. This agitation reaction may be accompanied by a stinging, itching, or burning sensation.
Although some larvae in the family Saturniidae are known to be poisonous, those of A.luna are not. The spines, or setae, located on the thoracic and abdominal segments have no chemical component to them.
In conclusion then, perhaps insects display base emotions but whether they feel love, grief, empathy, sympathy or sadness is unlikely. As humans we can feel and demonstrate kindness to an insect, it remains unknown if these emotions are ever reciprocated.
Papular urticaria and dermatitis. Usually caused by hairs from caterpillars or moths. Reactions range from mildly itchy, papular urticaria (small red bumps and swelling) that resolves within an hour; to moderately itchy, urticarial, scaly, blistering, or widespread eczema-like reactions that can persist for weeks.
Caterpillar rash, or lepidopterism, occurs when contact with caterpillars causes skin irritation. Treatment includes using ice packs, corticosteroid creams, and antihistamines. Lepidoptera is the classification that includes moths and butterflies and, therefore, caterpillars.
The immature stages of flannel moths are caterpillars which are clothed with fine hairs and venomous spines. The spines, when brushed against the skin, produce a painful rash or sting.
There is a kind of moth known as vampire moths that can penetrate human skin and can bite you with the help of their tiny projections (long sucking tubes known as proboscis). Caterpillars are the ones that can cause harm to humans. They can cause skin irritation by their stings and not exactly by biting.
Giant silkworm moth larvae and flannel moth caterpillars are specifically noted for their ability to cause a painful sting. Most types of moths are only poisonous if they're consumed. This may be especially true if the moth or moth caterpillar has visible hairs or spines.
Of the nearly 165,000 Lepidoptera species found worldwide, only about 150 species cause significant envenomations, with about 50 species found in the United States. Lepidoptera is the order of insects that includes butterflies, moths, and caterpillars.
The adult moths are brown or grayish, with the males sometimes yellow. It has delicate darker brown markings to help it mimic small dead leaves. The species that is most venomous is sometimes called the giant silkworm moth, Lonomia obliqua, and it lives in South America.
No butterflies are so poisonous that they kill people or large animals, but there is an African moth whose caterpillar's fluids are very poisonous. The N'gwa or 'Kaa caterpillar's entrails have been used by Bushmen to poison the tips of arrows. When shot by one of these arrows an antelope can be killed in short order.
Speaking of silk moths with stunning eye spots, Io moths are known for their venomous caterpillars. These brightly colored larva are equipped with urticating hairs, which release a toxin when brushed. This toxin causes unbelievable pain in humans, so imagine what it would do to a predator like a bird or small mammal.
Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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