The yellowtail moth or ashen moth (''Hylesia metabus'') is a species of moth found in northeastern South America. Contact with the
urticating hair
Urticating hairs or urticating bristles are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, almost all New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars. ''Urtica'' is Latin for "nettle" (stinging nettles are in the genu ...
s of adult female moths is known to cause a cutaneous condition called the
Caripito itch.
[ ]
The species was first described by
Pieter Cramer Pieter Cramer (21 May 1721 (baptized) – 28 September 1776), was a wealthy Dutch merchant in linen and Spanish wool, remembered as an entomologist. Cramer was the director of the Zealand Society, a scientific society located in Flushing, and a mem ...
in 1775.
These moths are mainly found along the mangrove swamps of Venezuela and Guyana. The adult moths however swarm to lights in nearby towns and the urticating hairs are released into the air leading to severe urticarial and papulovesicular dermatitis. Hairs from male moths do not cause any symptoms.
These special hairs are used by the females to protect their eggs masses from predators such as ants.
References
External links
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Moth information on ''Hylesia metabus''€”
Hemileucinae
Moths of South America
Moths described in 1775
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus
{{Saturniidae-stub