Kentucky’s Venomous Hag Moth Looks Nothing Like Any Caterpillar You’ve Ever Seen

I've only ever had two encounters with venomous creatures. I've been stung by a wasp, and I've been bitten by a wolf spider. The pain from the wasp sting only lasted about three hours, while the wolf spider bite merely itched.

Introducing the Venomous Hag Moth

This one, however, won't just itch. Are you familiar with the hag moth, also known as the monkey slug caterpillar?

It kind of moves like a starfish swims, and it doesn't look a THING like any caterpillar I've ever seen, but that's what it is. And yes, it goes by two names, and I can't decide which I like more. Here's what one looks like when it sheds. (TBH, it doesn't look much different after the fact.)

Treating the Sting of a Hag Moth AKA Monkey Slug Caterpillar

Now, I'm not sure if you'd be inclined to try to pick one up if you saw it, but I'd advise against it. Those hairs are a venomous defense mechanism, and you will feel that sting. As for how to treat it? Well, that's familiar territory, according to plantcaretoday.com:

Hag moths or monkey slug caterpillars can be found all across Kentucky in fields, woodland areas, and even the suburbs, so your chances of encountering one aren't exactly low. But if you do, I recommend brushing them away; nobody likes ugly surprises from ugly insects.