A saddleback caterpillar? I am sorry you got stung. I wish I would see one of these in person. very cool looking.

Well I looked it up for curiosity and yes the saddleback caterpillar sounds most unpleasant. Venom all over its hairy little body and even caccoon!

Very interesting looking though :)

I used to see a lot of saddleback caterpillars, don't see many now. I've seen them on many different plants, and I once accidentally brushed up against one on a rose bush in my garden.

You're right, they do sting worse and for a longer time than a wasp or yellow jacket - 'sorry you got stung!

Sherry

I got to raise about 20 this year. I've never gotten stung but my wife got stung the first evening she was in charge of feeding them (I went camping with my son's Boy Scout troop).

I'll clarify. I've never gotten stung by a saddleback. IOs have gotten me a few times. Dropping off the branch is one of their defenses so I get nailed when I'm changing their food. Also had their spikes go through my surgical gloves once this year. Ouch.

Sam, sorry you got stung. I didn't know they could sting so badly so thanks for posting. That little creature almost looks like he's wearing a straight jacket :)

KC, what's an IO? Thanks!

Rhonda

IO, IO, it's off to mothing we go. :D
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/io_moth.htm

Cute KC thanks