Caterpillar's Hair-Raising Defense Mechanism Packs a Potent Punch

The flannel moth caterpillar may look like it's having a bad hair day, but its appearance belies a potent defense mechanism.

Hiding amongst its luxuriant fur are rows of sharp, stout, hollow spines that inject venom into would-be predators. For humans, the effects can be severe and long-lasting, including rashes and blisters, swollen limbs, nausea, headaches, muscle spasms, stomach pains, and even breathing difficulties.

Victims have described the pain as being like a hammer blow to the affected area, worse than breaking an arm, or even kidney stones. It's clear that these caterpillars are not to be trifled with.