Puss Caterpillar Stings; First Aid Measures

— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 7 March 2010, was last revised on 29 November 2012. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(12). —————————————– Several years ago, in conjunction with my research on the puss caterpillar, I asked visitors to the BugsInTheNews website for personal reports of experiences with puss caterpillar stings. Before long. thousands of emails ...

Puss Caterpillar Stings–Appropriate Medical Interventions

— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 7 March 2010, was last revised on 13 October 2013. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(11). —————————————– Since it is common for puss caterpillar sting victims to go to nearby hospital emergency rooms for treatment, medical personnel should be familiar with this caterpillar and appropriate medical interventions. A list ...

Puss Caterpillars Don’t Always Sting

— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 7 March 2010, was last revised on 6 July 2012. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(10). —————————————– Though most of the reports I receive on puss caterpillars describe the excruciating pain their stings cause, some tell me how they touched, even played with, these caterpillars without receiving any ill ...

Puss Caterpillar or Asp — General Information

Puss Caterpillar or Asp --- General Information
— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 7 March 2010, was last revised on 22 January 2014. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(09). —————————————– Introduction: The puss caterpillar is the larva of an insect in the order Lepidoptera. More specifically, it is a flannel moth (so-called because the adult moth is clothed in short fine hairs ...

A Skimmer Dragonfly or Meadowhawk in Austin, Texas

A Skimmer Dragonfly or Meadowhawk in Austin, Texas
— This article by Jerry Cates and Linda C., first published on 3 March 2010, was last revised on 6 July 2012. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(08). —————————————– This photo was sent in by Linda C., of southwest Austin, on 2 March 2010 (Texas Independence Day, for those who may not be aware). According to the ...

Exterminating Puss Caterpillars

— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 2 March 2010, was last revised on 22 January 2014. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(07). —————————————– The following is a step-by-step approach that the author has used and supervised. It should be followed in the sequence prescribed. 1. First, protect yourself and others. On discovering a puss caterpillar infestation, insure that ...

Natural Predators of the Puss Caterpillar

Natural Predators of the Puss Caterpillar
— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 2 March 2010, was last revised on 22 January 2014. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(06). —————————————– Unraveling the Mystery Mother Nature’s Perfect Pesticide: As you probably know, puss caterpillars, larvae of the flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis), are legendary for their potent stings. In fact, they are believed to ...

Snake Anatomy & Physiology

Snake Anatomy & Physiology
This article by Jerry Cates, first published in January 1999, was last revised on 23 April 2016. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 01:01(02). —————————————–  Details of General Anatomical Features (click on the diagram at left for an enlarged version): Snakes have no moveable eyelids, limbs, ear openings, sternums, or urinary bladders. Most species have only one functioning lung, ...

A Diamond-backed Water Snake in Bullard, Texas

A Diamond-backed Water Snake in Bullard, Texas
— This article by Jerry Cates and John Wise, first published on 1 March 2010, was last revised jon 23 April 2016. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(05). —————————————– John wrote on 14 April 2012: “Hello sir, my neighbor killed this snake in backyard in Bullard, Texas, some twelve miles south of Tyler. Could you tell me what ...

The Stinging Apparatus of the Puss Caterpillar

The Stinging Apparatus of the Puss Caterpillar
— This article by Jerry Cates, first published on 1 March 2010, was last revised on 23 April 2016. © Bugsinthenews Vol. 11:03(01). —————————————– The puss caterpillar’s verrucae The primary stinging apparatus of the puss caterpillar is vested in verrucae (warty projections adorned with sharp spines under a coat of ornamental hairs) that cover the entire ...