Be on the look-out for this foreign bug – this Canadian caterpillar now found in Pennsylvania can cause a nasty rash. It was cause several hours of discomfort in a stinging rash, but in most cases can be treated at home with lotion and ice.
WJAC-TV says there have been many recently reported cases in State College and elsewhere in central Pennsylvania.
The white hickory tussock moth caterpillar is to blame.
The caterpillar’s fuzzy black spines contain venom they use to ward off predators. But it can also irritate human skin.
State College resident Bryant Martin says he and his 5-year-old son learned that the hard way. The boy was letting the caterpillar crawl on his hand Sunday and developed a rash minutes later.
MedExpress Dr. Joseph Betz says the rash is only temporary.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
In Texas, we had them in Fort Worth,Texas on the 40’s. The worms were call ASP. Different colors , Brown,green,black, some time lika a calco cat color. Sting when touched, I know, As a 4 year old boy, I would play in the yard in Fort Worth,Texas yard. The ASP would be on roses and on the side walk.