Venomous Fire Caterpillars Take Over Brazilian Family's Mango Tree

A family in São Paulo, Brazil, made an unexpected discovery in their backyard mango tree. The tree had become home to a group of venomous 'fire caterpillars,' which are also known as 'lagartas de fogo.'

The caterpillars were found gathered together in webbing and estimated to be 1.6 to 2.8 inches long, according to the family's Reddit post.

The user warned that touching these insects can cause painful skin irritation and allergic reactions, so they're not exactly welcome backyard guests.

Fire caterpillars are the larval stage of a flannel moth. They can be found in human-made and managed spaces like gardens, orchards, and landscaped yards.