Weird venomous caterpillars that look like walking toupées are invading Virginia - Live Science

A bizarre little insect that looks like a walking toupée and squirts venomous pus from knifelike spines is terrorizing Virginia this year, according to the state's Department of Forestry (VDoF).

The venomous pus caterpillar is the larval form of the southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis), and if you see one you should stay away from it.

Its "hairs" are actually spines that make it among the most venomous caterpillars in the United States.

A woman in New Kent County described the sensation of a "scorching hot knife passing through the outside of my calf" when she brushed against one on the door of her car, according to The Daily Progress. .

Pus caterpillars have appeared in Virginia before, according to the VDoF.

Eric Day, manager of Virginia Tech's Insect Identification Lab, told The Daily Progress that this appears to be "an outbreak year.".

Caterpillars, moths and butterflies all have cyclical periods, it's all about the right time, and the right conditions." .

(Do this a few times, but use a fresh piece of tape each time.) Ice packs and steroid creams will reduce swelling and make the sting less painful