It was a perfect summer afternoon—blue skies, a light breeze, and the smell of fresh grass. We set our picnic blanket in a quiet grove while the kids played nearby. Our daughter wandered a little farther than usual and called out, “This tree has stripes—it’s so pretty!”
When I looked over, I saw her reaching toward the trunk. My husband quickly ran over and stopped her just inches away. That’s when we realized the “stripes” weren’t part of the tree at all—they were moving.
Covering the trunk was a cluster of Lonomia caterpillars, one of the most venomous insects in the world. Their sharp spines can release potent venom, leading to serious illness. They blend so well with tree bark that it’s easy to mistake them for part of the tree.
Thanks to quick action, nothing happened. Authorities safely removed the caterpillars and posted a warning sign. Now, we always teach our children to avoid touching insects or unusual patterns in nature and to call experts instead. A little caution can prevent a dangerous encounter.