毛がフサフサの毛虫が大量発生。刺されると熱、吐き気、骨まで痛むことも。ヴァージニア州

Furry caterpillars are invading US with sting so painful it 'makes your bones hurt'

At first glance at these photos, you’d be forgiven for mistaking them as toupees or wigs.
But the photos actually show puss caterpillars – terrifying furry caterpillars covered in venomous spines.

The creepy insects are appearing across Virginia, and can inflict serious damage to humans.
The Virginia Department of Forestry has received several reports of puss caterpillars in recent weeks.
On Facebook, they explained: “The caterpillars eat oak and elm leaves, but they can be found in parks or near structures.

“If you find the caterpillar, leave it alone and let its natural enemies control their populations — there are a number of other insects that will prey on them at different stages of their life cycle.”

Worryingly, if touched, the caterpillars can cause a painful reaction, as well as vomiting and fever.

Speaking to National Geographic, Don Hall, an entomologist at the University of Florida said:
“A puss caterpillar sting feels like a bee sting, only worse. The pain immediately and rapidly gets worse after being stung, and can even make your bones hurt.

“How bad the sting hurts depends on where you get stung and how many spines are embedded in your skin.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/furry-caterpillars-invade-sting-painful-22843339