what is an asp caterpillar

An asp caterpillar, also known as a puss caterpillar, is a type of stinging caterpillar that belongs to the insect family known as flannel moths. They are one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America and are endemic to the southern US, where they live in shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and parks. Asp caterpillars have long silky hair that resembles a tuft of cotton or fur, and their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown. When an asp caterpillar rubs or is pressed against the skin, venomous hairs become embedded, and the sensation is so excruciating that one sting-sufferer in Texas said it felt like she’d broken her ankle. The venom of asp caterpillars contains a special protein that can form into a ring shape and poke holes in cells, which in turn send powerful pain signals to the brain. Treatment for local reactions to asp stings includes washing the skin with soap and water, local cooling measures such as an ice pack, or topical isopropyl alcohol, and putting tape on the site and pulling it off to remove embedded hairs.