Tussock Caterpillars

Skin rash on a young boy's chest and abdominal area resulting from the hairs of a Hickory Tussock caterpillar (from a species other than Browntail Moth) (circa early 2000s in Maine)
Skin rash resulting from the hairs of a Hickory Tussock caterpillar (circa early 2000s in Maine)

Tussock caterpillars, most of which belong to the Lymantriinae subfamily within the Erebidae family of moths, are sometimes very abundant in Maine. They are very good at ‘itching’ for attention! One reason for all the attention they receive (during late summer and early fall) is that, unfortunately, the hairs on these caterpillars can cause a very itchy rash. The prickly hairs are a defense mechanism (the hairs are not poisonous or venomous). It is important to note that children are more susceptible to the rash than are adults, and children are also much more likely to be playing with them and handling these showy critters (natural curiosity/fascination/playing outdoors). The rash from some of the members of this group tends to be short-lived, and clears up on its own after two or three hours. For other species, however, such as with the Hickory Tussock (subfamily Arctiinae) or the dreaded Browntail caterpillars, the rash can be much more severe and long-lasting, and a doctor’s visit might be warranted to speed one’s recovery and ease the symptoms/discomfort.

Note: The Browntail Moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, is a member of the same large family to which tussock caterpillars belong–Erebidae family–and is also in the same subfamily mentioned at the start: Lymantriinae)

Some examples of Tussock Caterpillars found in Maine (The hairs on many members of this group may cause an itchy rash, especially for children):

Additional Information and Photos: