Assassin Caterpillar

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Saturniidae

Genus: Lonomia

Species: L. obliqua

The assassin caterpillar is native to South America and is more famous for the larval, caterpillar form rather than the adult Giant Silkworm Moth. As its one of the most deadliest animals.

These caterpillars are covered with spines on their backs are are typically green or brown in color. They grow to be around 2 inches long.

 These caterpillars rose to fame after a large epidemic occurred in Brazil. Many people rushed to hospitals with gangrene symptoms and blood leaking into the brain.

Many cases ended in death, and this is the first species of caterpillar that were known to have caused human deaths. The assassin caterpillar was determined to be the culprit, as it was found in all the places the victims mentioned handling grass or leafy branches.

The spines on the caterpillars' backs have anti-coagulating toxins that don't allow the victim's blood to clot. The internal bleeding spreads throughout the body and has caused around 500 deaths to date!!!!! Bleeding occurs from every orifice (opening in the body) such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and genital cavities. The toxins are being utilized in medical research, however, to prevent an unwanted blood clot that can save a life.

While there is an anti-venom available, there are a few steps a victim can take if it cannot be administered right away. The wound site needs to be washed with soap warm water, and the spines need to be removed. Sticky substances such as duct tape should help get them out of the skin.

Some good news is that the body requires a large amount of stings before full blown hemorrhagic syndrom. A couple of stings, while painful, will most likely not be life threatening.