Dad and I decided to start a series of caches dedicated to the “dangers of the guardrails” Many times we all like to rush to get the find and during this excitement we usually for get to look before you grab, we would like through this series to create awareness of the local wildlife that usually make their home on or near the cache that is hidden within the rail.
The saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (formerly Sibine stimulea), is the larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America. It is also found in Mexico. It does occur South of the Yucatan. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae. The caterpillar is primarily green with brown at either end and a prominent white-ringed brown dot in the center which resembles a saddle. It has a pair of fleshy horns at either end. These and most of the rest of the body bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Contact with the hairs causes a painful, swollen rash and sometimes nausea in humans.
