It was a picture-perfect summer afternoon—blue skies, warm sunlight filtering through the trees, and the fresh scent of grass on the breeze. We had laid out our picnic blanket in a quiet spot near a grove, away from the busy trail. The kids ran around barefoot, laughing and chasing each other through patches of light and shade.
At one point, our daughter wandered a little farther than usual. She stopped beside a tall tree and called out excitedly,
“Mom, Dad, come see! This tree has stripes—it’s so pretty!”
I looked toward her and saw her small hand reaching for the trunk. Suddenly, my stomach tightened. Before I could react, my husband jumped up from the blanket and rushed over, grabbing her wrist just inches from the bark.
As I got closer, I realized the “stripes” weren’t part of the tree at all—they were moving.
Clinging to the bark was a dense cluster of Lonomia caterpillars, expertly camouflaged against the wood. Their markings blend so well that you’d never suspect the danger they pose. These caterpillars are among the most venomous insects in the world.
The tiny spines along their bodies carry a powerful toxin. Even a light touch can release venom that causes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fainting. In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications such as internal bleeding or kidney problems. Young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
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