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
