Do caterpillars bite?

Question

I've just been out in the garden barefooted and came back in to find a caterpillar like thing stuck to my foot! I flicked it off but didn't get a chance to catch the little blighter to inspect it but it feels like it's bitten me. I've got a little red bump on my foot and it itches. Should I be worried about it? I'm not in any pain or discomfort. I have taken a Piriton tablet just incase.

Answer 1

Some have hairs that can cause an irritating localised rash, nothing to worry about - supposed to be a protection device against predators. Could have been an earwig, their bites usually come up as two tiny red bumps close together, again nothing to worry about.

Answer 2

Their spines can be very venomous.  There are types, in latin america, that can cause fatalities.

Answer 3

Some do bite, but it's not normally fatal.

(They do have teeth or similar, which they use to chomp through leaves etc.)

Answer 4

I dont think they bite, they can cause a rash though, it's usually the very odd coloured ones with lots of hair or spines though, nowt to worry about though

Answer 5

caterpillars do not bite

Answer 6

I've never known them to bite.

You may have stood on something else as well as the caterpillar.

Unless it's a special caterpillar, if it moves that fast that you can't catch the little bugger it must be a new breed, unless your getting slower as you age!  lol

I shouldn't worry about it, just keep an eye on and it should go by itself.

Answer 7

most of the caterpillars found in the uk don't bite but some can cause skin irritations they tend to be the ones with th hairy body's  

Answer 8

some of them have little hairs that stick in you skin and cause irritation more like a sting than a bite, rub a bit of Savlon on it, you'll be fine.

Answer 9

Sounds a bit like Dracula gave you a nasty suck..

Bet ya wont do it again for a while..

Generally they dont, I  think it depends on species.

Answer 10

Sounds like a localised urticaria probably due to the hairs which can be an irritant to the skin.

Piriton should solve the problem.

DON'T SCRATCH IT.

Answer 11

Indeed some can Paula. No need to worry. Your piriton should do the trick. Some caterpillars also have hairs that sting.

Answer 12

I know they chew on leaves, but I don't think they actually bite.

One of the hairs on its back might have pierced the skin. I don't think it will cause any probs, but if it starts hurting, or swells, then contact the doctor.

Answer 13

Yes...it must have been the VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR   !!

Answer 14

Caterpillars can give you a nasty nip Choc especially the big furry ones you've done the right thing though by taking Piriton !