Hag Catapillar
Phobetron pithecium
Photo by Daniel E. Rieck
The Hag Caterpillar also called the monkey slug, has been one of the most unique looking caterpillars in Florida! This light to dark brown caterpillar with 8 to 9 pairs of variable length protrusions that bare the stinging hairs along its body is hard to describe other than a strange sci-fi movie creaslugs, The name is said to have stemmed from the likeness of long disheveled hair. Despite their unique name and shape, let’s learn more about these odd stinging caterpillars.
Photo by Daniel E. Rieck
Photo Daniel E. Rieck
The hag caterpillars are not as common as some of our other stinging species here in Florida. They feed on various woody host plants, including oak, dogwood, ash, birch, and apple.
Suggested sting treatments that can help include removing broken spine from the skin with tape, ice packs, antihistamine, and hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.
The Hag Caterpillar turns into, and you guessed it, a Hag Moth!
