Buck moth
The buck moth is a common North American moth. Its caterpillars are covered in spines that can break off and sting people, so it is good to know what they look like. The caterpillars live on oak trees in eastern parts of the United States, and can also be found in cities.1

怎样认出它
- Adult moths are dark grey to almost black, with a white band across each wing that has a distinctive eyespot on it.1
- Adult females have an all-black body. Males are black except for a rusty red abdomen (the rear part of the body).1
- Adults have black legs with small red cuffs near the top, where the leg joins the body.1
- Young caterpillars are completely black. Older caterpillars become lighter, and some look almost white.1
- Caterpillars are covered in spines. The spines on the top of the body are longer, more numerous and arranged in rows. Fully grown caterpillars reach about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm).1
毒液之力
细小的毛或刚毛会断在皮肤里并刺痛。
它的毒液会造成什么?
The spines of the caterpillar are hollow and attached to a poison sac, and small toxic glands along the sides of the body hold the venom. When the spines break off and get into the skin, they can cause stinging, itching and burning, with large red welts. In some people the reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that needs urgent medical care. Nausea is also listed as a possible symptom.1
它对人有多危险?
对人的危险: 很疼可能真的很疼,但几乎从不严重。An increasing number of people each season are stung by these caterpillars, and many of them see a doctor for dermatitis (swelling and inflammation of the skin). Stings are most common where caterpillars have moved into urban areas. Some people are at risk of a severe allergic reaction.1
它害怕时会做什么?
The caterpillars use their spines as a defence against predators and when they feel in danger. The spines can easily break off when the caterpillar is handled roughly or brushed against.1
如果你碰到它的毛
- 被毛毛虫的蜇毛扎到:用胶带把毛粘掉,再清洗皮肤。不要揉。
- 被咬:清洗并冷敷。如果感到不适或容易出血,就去看医生。
一定先拨打你的急救电话(112、000、911)。这里是一般急救指导,不是医疗建议。 急救基础
注意安全
- 永远不要摸、抓或逗弄野生动物,即使是很小的,即使它看起来在睡觉或已经死了。
- 给它留出空间。如果遇到它,保持冷静,慢慢后退,让它走自己的路。
- 如果你碰到了它的毛:保持冷静,保持不动,拨打你的急救电话(112、000、911)或尽快去医院。记住它长什么样,拍张照片会有帮助。
它不是冲着你来的。它用毒液捕猎或保护自己,而且它更愿意躲起来。 更多安全知识
它有多大?
它有多长?
和 2 块玩具积木排成一排一样长
比花园蜗牛还慢Buck moth和你比起来有多大?
只是在你的浏览器里算一算。什么都不会被保存或发送到任何地方。
它有多快?
事实
Adult buck moths have no mouthparts, so they cannot eat. They live only long enough to find a mate and lay eggs.1
Newly hatched caterpillars march in a straight line, following one leader. If the leader is removed, the group becomes confused and restless until it either returns or the group chooses a new leader.1
Before they pupate, some buck moths can stay in the pupa stage for up to two years before emerging as adults.1
Females release a chemical scent, called a pheromone, to attract males. Males that fly erratically are responding to this scent.1
事实的来源
- Buck moth (Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0))
- Hemileuca maia (iNaturalist): 名称和分类。
- Venom Wiki: 危险等级、典型大小和速度估计都是我们自己给出的。看看我们是怎么算的: 我们如何评定危险.
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蜇毛