Nature & Environment

Driver films weird insect crawling in his truck

By T.K. Randall
February 7, 2020

Image: Driving Car
Credit: Santeri Viinamäki / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) The footage, which was filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, shows a bizarre six-legged bug - complete with furry body and shovel-like head - crawling around on the seat and door panel.

"It looked alien," said Hortman. "Like a claymation cross between a squid and a lobster. It was slow and lumbering. I had no idea what it was."

Fortunately it didn't take long for an expert to identify the creature as a hag moth caterpillar.According to Virginia Tech university entomologist Eric Day, the insect can deliver a rather nasty sting.

"The larvae I would not touch at all," he said. "At the caterpillar stage, people's reaction will vary but most people end up with - at the very least - a reddish rash."

"The stings are defensive, they're avoiding predation and parasites too."

In other words - if you see one of these crawling around, stay well clear of it.


Source: YouTube

Tags: Insect