Think twice before you touch any of the beautiful hairy caterpillars on Okinawa.  I have been stung at least four times. Some of the attractive caterpillars are toxic, the spines deliver a painful sting and irritate the skin.  It will form red rash, itch badly and annoy you more than anything. If you find yourself having a severe allergic reaction seek medical attention immediately.

Gypsy moth caterpillar -Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

Rosy Gypsy moth © Shawn Miller

Gypsy Moth © Shawn Miller

Eventually, the caterpillar will transform into a beautiful moth.

Rosy Gypsy Moth © Shawn Miller

March 2018, Some friends were exploring some waterfalls and a tiny caterpillar fell off a tree and landed right on the back of my neck. I knew exactly what it was when it happened. It felt like my neck was on fire, it was similar to the sting of a marine fireworm.

Toxic hairy caterpillar © Shawn Miller

It burns Dr © Shawn Miller

A few more of the hairy caterpillars found in Northern Okinawa.

Insects that sting -Mt Ishikawa © Shawn Miller

Insect of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Insects of Northern Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Harry and scary insects © Shawn Miller

Insects of Hiji Falls © Shawn Miller

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically  to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support.  Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature