The Lonomia Caterpillar

Caterpillars are pretty things aren’t they? But not all are friendly or touchable. The next time you’re tempted to lift up one of these hairy little things and show him to your kids, consider the caterpillar of the Lonomia moth.

These lie in wait, showing up minimally against the trunk of a tree and are responsible for several deaths each year. Lay your hand on one or two and you will be dosed with one of the most potent anticoagulants around. In fact so potent that medicine is researching it as you read.

The effect of this sting is named ‘Lonomiasis’ which will make your bloodcells break down and unable to clot. Death can come from internal haemorrhage, kidney failure or simply hemolyzed blood. Not exactly a pleasant way to go. The next time you consider picking up that cute little hairy thing… think again!

Some of the most powerful and deadly predators aren’t always those which make noise or a slither to alert you to the fact that you are in close proximity. Some of the most deadly and most horrific ways to die come with no warning at all.

Read more: http://www.itsnature.org/what-on-earth/4-silent-killers-of-the-natural-world