Saddleback caterpillar

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Saddleback Caterpillar

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Superfamily:	Zygaenoidea
Family:	Limacodidae
Genus:	Sibine
Species:	S. stimulea

Binomial name

Sibine stimulea

The saddleback caterpillar, Sibine stimulea, is the larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae. It is also known as the "packsaddle".

The caterpillars are primarily green with brown at either end, and a prominent, white-ringed brown dot in the center which resembles a saddle hence the name. They feed on a large variety of plants, and the adults are dark brown, stout-bodied moths. In Florida, they are known to feed on ornamental palms such as the Adonidia merrilli (Christmas palm).

These caterpillars have a pair of fleshy "horns" at either end, and these, like much of the body, bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Stings can be very painful. They can cause swelling, nausea, and leave a rash that can last for days.

If you come in contact with the stinging hairs, the experience is much like a bee sting. To remove the hairs quickly, place a piece of cellophane tape (or whatever kind of tape you have at hand) over the spot and remove it quickly - the hairs will stick to the tape. The sooner you do this, the less effect the sting will have.