In most cases, lepidopterism may simply be an allergic or nonallergic contact reaction to the hairs that certain moth larvae produce. These bumps may burn and sting for several minutes. This is usually quite harmless, but it can provoke a reaction of red patches of bumps that looks similar to hives. To defend against predators, some species of moth have spiny hairs that can easily become lodged in your skin. Lepidopterism is a skin condition that’s been linked to contact with moth and butterfly caterpillars and less commonly adult moths. However, there are some things to be aware of. And, besides flying out of a place you don’t expect and startling you, many species of adult moths can’t do much to harm you in other ways. Most adult moths aren’t physically able to bite you. These moths are native to some areas of Europe, Africa, and Asia, and they mostly prefer to use their proboscis to suck out the nectar from sweet fruits. Moths from the genus Calyptra, also known as vampire moths or fruit-piercing moths, are equipped with a feeding tube (proboscis) with tiny projections that can penetrate human skin. There are notable exceptions to this rule. That’s why almost all the adult moths you may see flying around aren’t physically capable of biting you. Adults moths use a long, straw-shaped organ to drink nectar and other liquids. Within the United States, more than 50 caterpillar species are known for causing a painful sting.Īs caterpillars mature and become moths, they lose their tiny teeth and their mouths become atrophied and disappear. Out of 165,000 moth species, only about 150 of them can sting. However, the irritation is caused by stings, not bites. Not only can they eat through fabrics, but a few of them can cause skin irritation and worse in humans. Some of these caterpillars are responsible for the holes you find in clothing. However, moths begin life as larvae, called caterpillars, before they go through a metamorphosis process and emerge with wings. For the most part, they also don’t sting. The vast majority of adult moths don’t have mouths and are incapable of biting anything, much less you. Many species of moth are nocturnal, which is why you’ll often see them drawn to outdoor light fixtures like street lamps on warm evenings. These types of insects are identified by their scaly wings that emerge when they’re adults. Moths and butterflies are classified as one order of insects.
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