There are a lot of them this year.
In the US state of Virginia, an invasion of poisonous caterpillars Megalopyge opercularis is observed, resembling "fluffy ottomans" or "bad wigs".
An extreme spread of insects was reported by the State Forestry Department. "Keep your social distance if you see this caterpillar", officials joked.
Megalopyge opercularis is common in the southeastern and central United States, as well as Mexico and northern parts of Central America. Caterpillars live on a variety of broadleaf trees such as oak, elm, citrus, ivy, rose hips, and other garden plants.
Caterpillars often fall from trees and get stuck in people's hair or clothing.
The "fur" of insects hides thorns with poison. It leads to swelling, redness, and sometimes fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, and seizures. When Megalopyge opercularis reaches the adult stage, the venom becomes even more toxic.
According to experts, usually the size of the Megalopyge opercularis population is kept at about the same level, but in some years, due to favorable weather and other conditions, there is a sharp increase in their number.
There are a lot of them this year.
In the US state of Virginia, an invasion of poisonous caterpillars Megalopyge opercularis is observed, resembling "fluffy ottomans" or "bad wigs".
An extreme spread of insects was reported by the State Forestry Department. "Keep your social distance if you see this caterpillar", officials joked.
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