We all know that a caterpillar will soon make a cocoon and change into a butterfly. But, before they do that, it was always kind of fun to play with caterpillars in the yard! It was amazing to watch them crawl all over your hand! Some were pretty too!
Did you know that some caterpillars can cause a rash? Gypsy moth caterpillars can – and the rash can be very serious!
There have been more gypsy moth caterpillars found around the United States this year which has prompted experts to send out warnings about the rash they cause.
The rash will look red with white bumps, they are very itchy and uncomfortable. On May 4, Day Kimball Healthcare in Putnam Connecticut posted a message from Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH).
The caterpillars don’t bite, but their hair (called setae) are used to defend themselves.