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From Dr. Beverly Burden, Host of "Whats'Bugging You"

Puss caterpillar

Most of the time I communicate with you about the insect world, I am telling you not to worry about them. Attached is a photograph of the puss caterpillar, DO NOT TOUCH IT! The “hairs” are actually spines that break off and have a venom gland at the base. The symptoms can range from burning skin to convulsions. I found one today crawling up the outside front window glass of the bookstore.

Dr. Beverly J Burden is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at LSU Shreveport and our resident gust expert for our occasional series What's Bugging You. Contact her at beverly.burden@lsus.edu