<P> The caterpillar is regarded as a dangerous insect because of its venomous spines . Exposure to the caterpillar's fur - like spines will lead to an immediate skin irritation characterised by a, "grid - like hemorrhagic papular eruption with severe radiating pain". The pain has been described by patients as similar to a broken bone or blunt force trauma . The reactions are sometimes localized to the affected area but are often very severe, radiating up a limb and causing burning, swelling, nausea, headache, abdominal distress, rashes, blisters, and sometimes chest pain, numbness, or difficulty breathing . Additionally, it is not unusual to find sweating from the welts or hives at the site of the sting . </P> <P> Medical advice may be sought in case of contact with one . It is best if the venom from the spines is treated within hours of first contact . For first aid, it is recommended that the spines (if present) be removed by using cellophane tape . Some remedies, which are reported to have varying degrees of success, include ice packs, oral antihistamine, baking soda, hydrocortisone cream, juice from the stems of comfrey plants, or calamine lotion . </P>

Where do the southern flannel moth caterpillars live