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Giant Silkworm Moth Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua) climbs tree Not in this particular case, but often these highly venemous caterpillars blend in with the tree background, causing unexpecting tourists to touch them when they lean against a tree. The result is severe pain, and even death in the worst case. Amazon,Brazil,Caterpillar,Geotagged,Giant Silkworm Moth,Insects,Lonomia obliqua,Moth Click/tap to enlarge Species introCountry intro

Giant Silkworm Moth Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua) climbs tree

Not in this particular case, but often these highly venemous caterpillars blend in with the tree background, causing unexpecting tourists to touch them when they lean against a tree. The result is severe pain, and even death in the worst case.

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The Giant silkworm moth

''Lonomia obliqua'' is a species of Saturniid moths from South America. It's famous for its larvae form, rather than the adult moth, for several reasons. Recently announced in an episode of the Discovery Channel, known as the “assassin caterpillar,” this caterpillar has a spine-covered back filled with venom, and has been responsible for several deaths, especially in southern Brazil. This caterpillar has also been in numerous medical studies.

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Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Ferdy Christant
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By Ferdy Christant

All rights reserved
Uploaded Dec 30, 2011. Captured Sep 7, 2011 22:27 in R. Um, 71 - Puraquequara, Manaus - Amazonas, Brazil.
country flag of Brazil Explore Brazil 1,464 712 0
  • NIKON D7000
  • f/8.0
  • 1/60s
  • ISO1600
  • 105mm
Captured in the winter. More winter photos.