Megalopyge
Scientific name: Megalopyge
Megalopyge
Scientific name: Megalopyge
Photo By Patrick Coin , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Despite its innocuous appearance, the Megalopyge genus includes some of the most intriguing and deceptive creatures. Known for their furry and cuddly looks, these caterpillars hide a painful secret. Beneath their soft exterior are venomous spines that can cause severe reactions in humans鈥攔anging from intense pain, swelling, to even respiratory distress or other systemic issues. This clever facade serves as both a deterrent to predators and a stark reminder of nature鈥檚 complex defense mechanisms.
Species of Megalopyge
Photo By Patrick Coin , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original