Lonomia achelous
Lonomia achelous, the Brazilian caterpillar or giant silkworm moth caterpillar,[1] is a venomous caterpillar endemic to South America. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1777.
| Lonomia achelous | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Saturniidae |
| Genus: | Lonomia |
| Species: | L. achelous |
| Binomial name | |
| Lonomia achelous Cramer, 1777 | |
Description and behavior
These caterpillars measure 50 mm in length, have a thick, bristle-covered body which is greenish brown, and a dark brown or black head capsule. Juveniles are usually light green, and darken with age. The moth's eggs are light greenish yellow in the shape of a barrel; they are placed in suitable host plants. The moth has a coloration of several shades of pale to medium brown, the wings are similar to a dead leaf, has a dark central fixation at the tip of the wing.
During the larval phase they are nocturnal, and they feed on leaves of shrubs and several woody trees. They are usually grouped on trunks or at the bottom of the same plants during the day. The larvae are covered by pointed hollow spines (spicules), the venom is injected into any intruder when fixed on the skin and broken.[2]
Distribution and habitat
It is found in South America, in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.[1]
Danger
Along with Lonomia obliqua, L. achelous is responsible for causing severe hemorrhagic syndrome or even death in humans. The venom contains potent anticoagulant and procoagulant factors (fibrinolytic, activates prothrombin, factor V, XIII).[1][2] Envenoming can result in disseminated intravascular coagulation and secondary fibrinolysis, which results in dangerous bleeding.[3]
References