thank you all for the comments and letting me know the name of this very prickly stinging caterpillar. i hope not to come in contact with another! (although it was quite interesting to look at)
Saddleback caterpillar by: Moni
Brian
Your photo is of a saddleback caterpillar.
Here is what the Virginia Extension Service says about contact with this caterpillar
It has poisonous spines on the four large projections (tubercles) and many smaller ones that stick out from the sides of its body. Contact with them causes a burning sensation and inflammation that can be as painful as a bee sting. The irritation can last for a day or two and may be accompanied by nausea during the first few hours. Usually the site of contact reddens and swells much like a bee sting.
A person "stung" by a poisonous caterpillar should immediately wash the affected area to remove any insect hairs and poison that remain. An ice pack will help reduce swelling, and creams and lotions containing steroids will lessen the discomfort.
The saddleback caterpillar is a general feeder. Food sources are many trees, shrubs, and grasses including apple, asters, blueberries, citrus, corn, dogwoods, elms, grapes, linden, maples, oaks, Prunus species, sunflowers and viburnums.
Sheri submitted a pic of the same caterpillar and learned they do feed in green beans and the sting hurts.
Read more: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/caterpillar-dressed-in-green.html#ixzz0QZMroHPs
Wow! by: Korat
That is beautiful!
Saddleback Caterpillar by: NellyBear
That's a Saddleback Caterpiller and those spines can sting you. It looks like something from outerspace doesn't it? Nelly.
