Warning: ‘Do Not Touch’ These Venomous New York Caterpillars

An eagle-eyed Hudson Valley hiker recently spotted one of the coolest caterpillars in New York State... then came the warnings.

Caterpillars can be a touchy subject in New York. From the spongy moth caterpillar catastrophe earlier in the summer to the fickle weather predictions of the woolly bear caterpillar, these little insects can cause quite a fuss. Some, however, can be dangerous.

Venomous Caterpillars in New York State

"Saw this cool guy on my adventure today. Pretty cool looking", read a recent post in a Hudson Valley hiking group. The caterpillar was seen at John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary in Highland, NY, and was quickly identified as an animal that should only be admired from a distance.

Spiny Oak-Slug Caterpillar in New York

The warning of "do not touch" should be obvious when you learn this insect's name: the spiny oak-slug caterpillar. Not only is the caterpillar covered in spikes, but touching one can have painful consequences that require specific treatment.

Avoid These Caterpillars in New York

A general rule of thumb is to never touch any caterpillar with visible spines, as these are most often a sign of a very active defense mechanism. Spikes can become embedded in skin and cause problems ranging from mild irritation to much more serious symptoms.

How to Treat Caterpillar Stings

Most New York caterpillar stings can be simply treated with a hydrocortisone cream. Other more specific treatments include using a baking soda salve or even placing adhesive tape on the affected area in order to pull out the imbedded caterpillar hairs. In some serious cases, allergic reactions can occur which may require professional medical attention.

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While not all caterpillars are venomous, it should be a general rule to never touch any wild animal. From baby deer to cute bunnies (and even woolly bear caterpillars), nature is best observed from a safe distance.