1H NMR Profiling of the Venom from Hylesia continua: Implications of Small Molecules for Lepidopterism.

Lepidopterism caused by caterpillar contact is considered a public health problem around the world. The local and systemic responses of this pathology include short- and long-term inflammatory events. Although the proteolytic activity of the venoms from caterpillars is strongly associated with an inflammatory response in humans and murine models, fast and acute symptoms such as a burning sensation, itching, and pain should be related to the presence of low-weight hydrophilic molecules which easily influence cell metabolism. This investigation reports on the 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) profiling of the venom from the larva of Hylesia continua, a caterpillar linked to frequent cases of lepidopterism in the northern highlands of Puebla, Mexico. According to one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR data, the venom of H. continua contained 19 compounds with proven pain-inducing activity (i.e., acetic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, ethanol, and glutamate), inflammatory activity (i.e., cadaverine, putrescine, and acetoin), as well as natural immunosuppressive activity (i.e., O-phosphocholine and urocanic acid). The levels of the 19 compounds were calculated using quantitative-NMR (qNMR) and extensively discussed on the basis of their toxic properties which partially explain typical symptoms of lepidopterism caused by the larvae of H. continua. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation reporting a complex mixture of small molecules with inflammatory properties dissolved in the venom of a lepidopteran larva.

Caterpillar Envenomation (Lepidopterism) in a Panamanian Jungle: About a Case.

Caterpillar venom has the potential to cause acute pain and systemic symptoms in individuals seeking medical attention in the jungles of Panama. Although this is not an obligatory notifiable disease, the hazards associated with exposure to this animal are widely recognized within the local community. Here, we present a case of a patient who sought medical attention after being rescued from a river in a Panamanian jungle after feeling acute pain in an upper extremity associated with shortness of breath and how tropical medicine teleconsult allowed for quick identification of the cause and assisted in the management. About his case, we examine the phenomenon of caterpillar envenomation and suggest that further research is needed to assess the potential impact of climate change on this disease. Of particular concern is the likelihood of an increase in contact accidents. We recommend that scientists and public health officials work together to understand the mechanisms of this disease better and to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment. Our analysis underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and surveillance to ensure we are prepared for future outbreaks.

A study on the role of lepidopterism in seasonal fever outbreaks.

Fever is one of the most common reasons for visit in primary care practice. Outbreaks of fever that occur at certain areas in a seasonal manner are usually recognized early by diligent general practitioners in primary care settings. At the community level, in order to tackle seasonal fever outbreaks, prevention and control strategies are widely implemented, targeting the locally prevalent endemic infectious diseases. However, what about seasonal outbreaks of diseases because of non-infectious endemic causes? How well are we aware of this and how prepared are we? In 2006, there was an outbreak of Chikungunya fever in Kerala, a southern state in India. A group of scientists discovered that many patients assumed to have Chikungunya also had exposure to a specific type of lepidopteran moth, Asota caricae, also known as tiger moth. Further research revealed that rats exposed to live tiger moths under experimental conditions produced features resembling Chikungunya and similar viral fevers, with symptoms comprising fever, arthralgia, arthritis, and thrombocytopenia. A moth-toxin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody was identified in sera of patients who recalled exposure to tiger moths. Aims: 1. To screen subjects with clinical features resembling viral fevers for specific IgE antibodies against tiger moth toxin. 2. To assess the role of tiger moths in producing features resembling viral fevers in humans. Settings and Design: This hospital-based, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from March 2015 to March 2016 in a tertiary hospital in North Kerala. The sample population included patients who had clinical manifestations suggestive of viral fevers and presented to the outpatient departments of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Emergency Medicine and satisfied the inclusion criteria. Methods and Material: After collecting the informed consent, the blood sample needed for the study was collected simultaneously with the blood collected for other tests ordered by the consulting doctor. No extra needle insertion was needed for the study. A total of 234 samples were examined for the presence of moth-toxin-specific IgE antibodies. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analysed using SPSS 17.0. Graphs were produced using Microsoft Excel. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies with percentages and analysed using Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test. Incidence/prevalence was also expressed in percentages with confidence interval. The continuous variable was expressed as mean with standard deviation or median with inter-quartile range. For all tests, a probability value (p value) < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among the 234 subjects who were screened in the 13-month period, 44 subjects (18.8%) tested positive for moth-toxin IgE, of which 28 were males and 16 were females. The maximum percentage of samples with positive moth-toxin IgE antibodies was detected during the months of March, June, July, November, December, and January. Out of the 44 subjects who had positive moth-toxin IgE antibodies, 24 tested positive for Dengue fever (of which eight were positive for the Dengue NS1 antigen, 11 were positive for the Dengue IgM antibody, and five were positive for both Dengue NS1 antigen and Dengue IgM antibody), two tested positive for Leptospira IgM antibody, two tested positive for Rickettsial antibody, and three had a positive Widal test. It was found that association of moth-toxin IgE with all the presenting symptoms of subjects analysed in this study was not statistically significant, except for lymphadenopathy. Skin rashes of different morphologies were seen in the study group. 20.5% (n = 9) of the subjects who tested positive for moth-toxin IgE had skin rashes. A majority of these weffigurere erythematous and maculopapular rashes, with incidence of 44% (n = 4) and 33% (n = 3), respectively. Conclusions: 1. A seasonal variation is evident in the incidence of cases with positive moth-toxin IgE. 2. There is no significant age/sex preference for moth-toxin IgE positivity. 3. Subjects who tested positive for moth-toxin IgE also had positive serological tests for other infectious causes of fever, including Dengue fever, Leptospirosis, Enteric fever, and Rickettsial fever. The role of tiger moth exposure in producing fever and related symptoms hence needs to be studied further. 4. It was observed that moth-toxin IgE had significant association with lymphadenopathy. This should be investigated in further studies. 5. Even though the role of lepidopterism in seasonal fever epidemics is not clear, primary care physicians should be more aware of such entities which can present with a wide range of manifestations.

The Sting of a White Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Norape ovina).

The purpose of this report is to describe a case of urticarial dermatitis, or erucism, caused by the white flannel moth caterpillar (Norape ovina) in central Virginia. Many caterpillars are known to cause erucism, with the puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) being the most reported culprit in the United States. White flannel moth caterpillars are expected to cause erucism as they belong to the same family as the puss caterpillar (Megalopygidae) and have similar venom-containing hairs, but no reports of the reaction or clinical course have been documented in the medical literature. A subject was stung by a white flannel moth caterpillar after it fell on his neck while clearing brush with a machete. The subject experienced immediate pain and developed a raised, erythematous rash where the caterpillar had fallen. The rash, referred to as erucism, was painful for 1 d and improved slowly over the course of 2 wk, but a small area of discoloration remained 2.5 mo after contact. Symptoms were managed by the subject at home and no medications were administered. The white flannel moth caterpillar inflicts erucism similar to that caused by the more commonly mentioned puss caterpillar. If only local symptoms are sustained from contact with a white flannel moth caterpillar, it can be safely and effectively managed with over-the-counter medications similar to the management for erucism induced by other caterpillar species. Irrigation and removal of urticating hairs with adhesive tape may help reduce the pain and is recommended, though not performed in this case.

Accidente Lonómico: Reporte de dos casos / Lonomic accident: Report of two cases

Resumen Introducción: dentro de los insectos del orden lepidóptero, la familia Saturniidae tiene más de 2.400 especies, allí se encuentran Hylesia y Lonomia. Objetivo: presentar dos casos de pacientes con accidente lonómico, el manejo y desenlace para reconocer la importancia de estos eventos en las regiones silvestres de la Orinoquia colombiana. Casos clínicos: paciente de 8 años proveniente de área rural quien refería contacto en región palmar de mano derecha con gusanos quién 48 horas después de dicho contacto presentó equimosis en extremidades, flictena sangrante en talón derecho, cefalea, escalofríos y artralgias, además se evidenciaron tiempos de coagulación prolongados. Paciente de 13 años de características similares a las del caso previamente descrito sin presentar manifestaciones clínicas, pero que presentaba tiempos de coagulación prolongados. Se consideró que cursaba con accidente lonómico por lo que se aplicaron 5 ampollas de suero antilonómico polivalente a cada una sin registrar reacciones adversas. En ambos casos cursaron con evolución clínica adecuada con disminución a rangos de seguridad de tiempos de coagulación. Conclusiones: el veneno lonómico actúa en la cascada de coagulación produciendo manifestaciones hemorrágicas de gravedad variable. El suero antilonómico es el único tratamiento eficaz, a pesar de estar disponible desde hace más de 20 años en Brasil hay un 5% de progresión a síndromes hemorrágicos severos y un 1.5 a 2% de mortalidad. A pesar de tener gran relevancia clínica en las Américas existe subregistro, es importante conocer sus manifestaciones y el manejo para así poder evitar complicaciones mortales.

Abstract Background: among the insects of the order Lepidoptera, the family Saturniidae has more than 2,400 species, there are Hylesia and Lonomia. Objective: to present two cases of patients with lonomic accident, the management and outcome to recognize the importance of these events in the wild regions of the Colombian orinoquia. Clinical case: an 8-year-old patient from a rural area who refers to contact in the palmar region of the right hand with worms for more than 48 hours, presents ecchymosis in the extremities, bleeding flictena in the right heel, headache, chills and arthralgias. Clotting times are performed which are prolonged. A 13-year-old patient who also referred contact without presenting clinical manifestations but presenting prolonged clotting times. They are considered to occur due to a lonomic accident, so 5 ampoules of polyvalent antilonomic serum are administered to each one without registering adverse reactions. They have an adequate clinical evolution with a decrease in the safe ranges of clotting times. Conclusions: the lonomic venom acts in the coagulation cascade producing hemorrhagic manifestations of variable severity. Antilonomic serum is the only effective treatment, despite being available for more than 20 years in Brazil, there is a 5% progression to severe hemorrhagic syndromes and 1.5 to 2% mortality. Despite being of great clinical relevance in the Americas, there is an underreporting, it is important to know its manifestations and management in order to avoid fatal complications.

Lepidopterism: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Lepidopterism is a term that refers to a spectrum of medical conditions, typically involving the skin, that result from contact with the adult or larval forms of certain butterflies and moths. There are more than 165,000 species of these insects, however, only about 12 species are known to harm humans, most commonly in the form of contact dermatitis. Among these species, the Megalopyge opercularis, commonly called the "Puss Caterpillar", is known to cause a painful and pruritic cutaneous reaction when its venom encounters the skin. Although caterpillar stings are not a common etiology of dermatological rashes, physicians must perform a detailed history and have a high degree of suspicion to arrive to the correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessary medications and therapeutics. We present a case of a 14-month-old boy who presents to the pediatric clinic with a unilateral red rash on the anterior aspect of the left leg, from the distal thigh to the shin. The parents report that the boy was sitting in the park, when he suddenly started to cry. They state that the rash began to spread and that red marks are growing. The patient's parents brought the caterpillar specimen in a bag, clinching the diagnosis. The patient was treated with antihistamine drugs for symptom relief and was recommended to wash thoroughly the area with soap and water. The patient returned to the clinic four days later and the rash had resolved. When encountering an acute onset rash in a patient with recent exposure to nature environments and other open spaces with trees, lepidopterism should be considered in the differential diagnosis and promptly treated. Furthermore, the physician must educate the patients on how to avoid exposure, and special care should be implemented with asthmatic and atopic patients, because although rare, anaphylactic reactions to these stings have been reported.

Acute Onset of Painful Hairy Eruption on Dorsum of Foot: An Interesting Story!

Caterpillar dermatitis is a commonly observed dermatological condition in tropical countries. Contact with caterpillar can cause localized stings, eczematous or papular dermatitis, urticaria, and in some cases life-threatening reactions. We report a case of a patient presenting with acute-onset painful hairy eruption on dorsum of the left foot near great toe. Detailed history and investigations led to appropriate diagnosis.

Pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa envenomation in 109 dogs: A retrospective study.

Contact with the caterpillars of the pine processionary moth (CPPM) Thaumetopoea pityocampa induces severe local allergic reactions. The purpose of this large-scale retrospective cohort-study was to describe the clinical manifestations and related risk factors of CPPM exposure. This cohort-study included 109 dogs between the years of 2000 and 2016. Tongue lesions ranging from oedema to severe necrosis were observed in 94/109 dogs (86%). The following systemic signs were observed in 60/109 dogs (55%): vomiting (52/109, 48%), dyspnoea (6/109, 5%), hypovolemia (4/109, 4%) and diarrhoea (2/109, 2%). Based on the time elapsed from CPPM contact to the first oral flushing, three groups were defined: <2 h (group 1, 37/105, 35%), 2 h-6 h (group 2, 39/105, 37%) and >6 h (group 3, 29/105, 28%). Tongue necrosis (TN) at admission was significantly more common in the dogs in group 3 than those in groups 1 and 2 (45% vs. 5% and 5% respectively, p = 0.0002). In addition, the development of TN during hospitalisation was significantly more common in the dogs in group 3 (65%) than in those in the other groups (21% in group 1, p = 0.02) and 31% in group 2, p = 0.001). The dogs in group 3 presented a 14.63-fold higher risk of TN at admission and a 3.78-fold higher risk of developing necrosis during hospitalisation compared with the other groups. The survival rate after exposure was 97%. Long-term follow-up data were available for 69/109 dogs (63%). Twenty-three dogs (37%) had persistent, definitive TN without major consequences on quality of life. Elapsed time between contact and first oral flushing appears to be a key determinant for the progression of necrotic lesions, and the best results were observed when flushing occurred within 6 h of contact. The prognosis of CPPM envenomation is excellent, with a short hospitalisation duration.

Protein content of the Hylesia metabus egg nest setae (Cramer [1775]) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and its association with the parental investment for the reproductive success and lepidopterism.

Hylesia metabus is a neotropical moth possessing toxic setae, which once in contact with the skin cause a severe dermatitis to humans known as lepidopterism. The only known function of the setae in the life cycle is to provide protection during the mating and egg-hatching stages. Approximately 65% of the protein content of the setae is a cluster of five proteases (28-45kDa) showing sequence homology to other S1A serine proteases. The N-glycans of a 40kDa protease are a mixture of neutral and sulfated G0F structures. The sulfated N-glycans have an important role in triggering the inflammatory response typical of lepidopterism while the proteolytic activity may promote the erosion of blood vessels and tissues causing focal hemorrhages. The presence of Chitinase and a 30kDa lipoprotein is probably related to the antifungal defense. In addition, chitin digestion of the setae may potentiate the inflammatory reaction caused by the toxins due to the formation of chitin adjuvants fragments. The combined effect of proteases and a chitinase may dissuade predating arthropods, by damaging their exoskeletons. Vitellogenin, a bacteriostatic protein, is able to recognize pathogen-associated patterns, which suggests its possible role in protecting the embryonated eggs from pathogenic microorganisms. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study is the first report describing the different protein species present in the urticating egg nest setae of the neotropical moth Hylesia metabus - the most harmful of the Hylesia moths - causing a severe urticating dermatitis in humans known as lepidopterism. A distinctive feature of the venom is the presence of five different S1A serine proteases probably used to guarantee a more efficient degradation of a wider number of protein substrates. This work confirms that the presence of sulfated N-glycans is not an isolated finding since its presence has been demonstrated in two different proteases affirming that this PTM is of importance for the activation of the inflammatory response typical of lepidopterism. Additionally, this study gives useful information on the defense mechanisms used for protection of its progeny vs. vertebrate predators, fungus, bacteria or other arthropods such as ants. The proteins detected in the egg nest should be seen as an extended parental effort made by the females in order to achieve an optimal reproductive success, thus compensating for the considerable loss of progeny during the larval stages that seriously limits the number of sexually mature adults reaching the reproductive phase.

Conocimientos y prácticas sobre lepidopterismo por Hylesia metabus (Cramer, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) en la parroquia Yaguaraparo, Estado Sucre, noreste de Venezuela / Knowledge and practices about lepidopterism by Hylesia metabus (Cramer, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Yaguaraparo parish, sucre State, northeastern Venezuela

Resumen Introducción. El lepidopterismo es definido como el conjunto de afecciones causadas por el contacto del ser humano con diversos géneros y especies del orden Lepidoptera. La hembra de esta especie de mariposa presenta en su abdomen pelos o setas que contienen toxinas las cuales al entrar en contacto con la piel y mucosas generan dermatitis y lesiones de la mucosa ocular, orofaringe y tracto respiratorio superior, por lo que es necesario desarrollar mejores estrategias educativas para minimizar el impacto sobre la salud. Objetivo. Se realizó la caracterización de los conocimientos y prácticas locales para la prevención y control del lepidopterismo por Hylesia metabus en la parroquia Yaguaraparo, noreste de Venezuela. Materiales y Métodos. 400 personas fueron seleccionadas al azar y encuestadas, las respuestas fueron categorizadas mediante una escala de 0 a 4 puntos (4 para el mejor conocimiento/práctica), las dimensiones exploradas fueron: conocimientos sobre H. metabus, lepidopterismo, prevención y control de lepidopterismo, y conocimiento y prácticas en general. Se aplicaron estadísticos descriptivos, ANOVA y la prueba de comparaciones múltiples de Tukey, considerando sexo, grupo etario, educación y ocupación como variables intervinientes. Resultados. El conocimiento sobre H. metabus fue bueno (x̅=2,61); sobre lepidopterismo fue regular (x̅=1,65), las prácticas de prevención fueron buenas ( x̅=2,52), así como las de control (x̅=2,74). 97% declararon haber padecido lepidopterismo; 71% usan tratamiento médico y casero, el 29% restante usa tratamiento casero y automedicación. La medida más conocida y utilizada para evitar el contacto con la mariposa fue apagar las luces (50,2%). La aplicación de insecticidas fue la medida más frecuente considerada útil para eliminar las mariposas del ambiente (68,2%). Ante el prurito las acciones incluyeron tratamiento con antihistamínicos (30,7%) y casero (27,4%), siendo la aplicación de alcohol la más utilizada (23,5%). Conclusiones. La educación y ocupación mostraron influencia significativa en las respuestas. La población de la parroquia mostró nociones buenas, aunque no óptimas, sobre lepidopterismo y sus prácticas requieren mejorar, para obtener en conjunto un mejor nivel de potencial de participación ante el problema.

Abstract Introduction. Lepidopterism is defined as the set of conditions caused by human contact with various genera and species of the order Lepidoptera. The female of this species of butterfly posses hairs that contain toxins which upon contact with skin and mucous generate dermatitis and lessions in the ocular mucosa, oropharynx and upper respiratory tract therefore, it is necessary to develop better teaching strategies to minimize the impact on health. Objective. Characterization of local knowledge and practices for the prevention and control of lepidopterism by Hylesia metabus in the parish Yaguaraparo, northeastern Venezuela, was carried out. Materials and Methods. 400 people were randomly selected and surveyed, responses were categorized using a scale of 0-4 points (4 for better knowledge/practice), the surveyed dimensions were: knowledge about H. metabus, lepidopterism, prevention and control of lepidopterism, and knowledge and practices as a whole. Descriptive statistics were applied, as well as ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons, considering sex, age group, education and occupation as intervening variables. Knowledge about H. metabus was good (x̅=2.61); on lepidopterism was moderate (x̅=1.65), prevention practices were good (x̅=2.52), also for control ( x̅=2.74). 97% declared lepidopterism experience; 71% used medical and home treatment and the remaining 29% used home and self-medication treatment. The better-known and used measure to avoid contact with the butterfly was turning off lights (50.2%). Insecticide application was the most frequent measure considered useful to remove butterflies from environment (68.2%). Against itching, actions included taking antihistaminic (30.7%) and home treatment (27.4%), being topic alcohol the most used (23.5%). Education and occupation had significant influence on given responses. Conclusion. Parish population showed good notions on lepidopterism, though not optimal, and their practices require improvement, in order to combine for a higher participation level to face the problem.

Structural characterization and biological implications of sulfated N-glycans in a serine protease from the neotropical moth Hylesia metabus (Cramer [1775]) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae).

Contact with the urticating setae from the abdomen of adult females of the neo-tropical moth Hylesia metabus gives rise to an urticating dermatitis, characterized by intense pruritus, generalized malaise and occasionally ocular lesions (lepidopterism). The setae contain a pro-inflammatory glycosylated protease homologous to other S1A serine proteases of insects. Deglycosylation with PNGase F in the presence of a buffer prepared with 40% H2 (18)O allowed the assignment of an N-glycosylation site. Five main paucimannosidic N-glycans were identified, three of which were exclusively α(1-6)-fucosylated at the proximal GlcNAc. A considerable portion of these N-glycans are anionic species sulfated on either the 4- or the 6-position of the α(1-6)-mannose residue of the core. The application of chemically and enzymatically modified variants of the toxin in an animal model in guinea pigs showed that the pro-inflammatory and immunological reactions, e.g. disseminated fibrin deposition and activation of neutrophils, are due to the presence of sulfate-linked groups and not on disulfide bonds, as demonstrated by the reduction and S-alkylation of the toxin. On the other hand, the hemorrhagic vascular lesions observed are attributed to the proteolytic activity of the toxin. Thus, N-glycan sulfation may constitute a defense mechanism against predators.

[Glance at tropical dermatitis]. / Coup d'œil sur une dermatite tropicale.

We report a case of a French soldier, among more than fifteen others, who looked for dermatitis occurred in Central African Republic revealing a lepidopterism. We detail the Anaphae venata etiologic agent, what to do diagnosis and treatment.

Oropharyngeal Edema in an 8-Month-Old Girl after Woolly Bear Caterpillar Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Lepidopterism refers to the manifestations of contact from any number of moths, butterflies, and caterpillars. Various symptoms have been described, ranging from localized skin irritation to systemic anaphylactic reactions. CASE REPORT: We present a case of airway edema in an 8-month-old child from oral exposure to Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia Isabella). After prompt emergency department recognition, her symptoms necessitated urgent operating room management by a team of otolaryngologists and close monitoring in a pediatric intensive care unit. A similar presentation in this species has not been described previously in the English literature. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Leptidopterism is rare, but recognition by the emergency practitioner is necessary for prompt and appropriate treatment. Rapid identification by the emergency physician of oral exposure and careful spine removal can be lifesaving in cases of significant oropharyngeal edema.

Accidentes por lepidópteros: Hylesia nigricans (Berg, 1875) o "mariposa negra" / Accidents due to Lepidoptera: Hylesia nigricans (Berg, 1875) or "mariposa negra"

Las características biológicas de los lepidópteros (mariposas, orugas y polillas) posibilitan el contacto de sus distintos estadios evolutivos con el ser humano. La mariposa nocturna Hylesia nigricans es responsable de brotes epidémicos en nuestro país. Se denomina erucismo al contacto con las larvas u orugas y lepidopterismo, si el contacto se produce con las mariposas. Realizamos una actualización de estos lepidópteros de importancia médica

Lepidoptera (butterflies, caterpillars and moths) biologic features make possible the contact between different instars and humans. The moth Hylesia nigricans is responsible for epidemic outbreaks in our country. It is called erucism when the contact is with caterpillars and lepidopterism when the contact is with moths. We perform an update of these important medical lepidopters.

Biological and morphological characteristics of hylesia paulex (lepidoptera: saturniidae) fed with eucalyptus urophylla (myrtaceae) / Características biológicas y morfológicas de hylesia paulex (lepidoptera: saturniidae) alimentadas con eucalyptus urophylla (myrtaceae) / Características biológicas e morfológicas da hylesia paulex (lepidoptera: saturniidae) alimentadas com eucalyptus urophylla (myrtaceae)

Hylesia spp. (Saturniidae), important moths for public health due to urticating bristles of their larvae and/or adults, are collected in different habitats with potential to defoliate plants in agriculture and forest systems. Biological and morphological characteristics of Hylesia paulex (Dognin, 1922) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) fed with Eucalyptus urophylla (Myrtaceae) were studied in the laboratory. Recently-emerged caterpillars of this species were separated in 10 plastic pots (500ml) with 30 of them per pot, and fed daily with fresh leaves of E. urophylla until they reached adult stage. The egg incubation period of H. paulex was 32.00 ±1.19 days with 65.32 ±14.52% viability, and the duration of the larval stage reached 67.83 ±0.84 days, with seven instars. The gregarious behavior is important to maintain a high survival rate during this stage for H. paulex. The pre-pupa and pupa stages of this insect lasted 3.87 ±0.16 and 21.67 ±0.79 days, respectively. The longevity of females of this species was longer (4.50 ±0.54 days) than that of males (2.80 ±0.44 days). The mean number of eggs per egg mass was 132.3. Moths of H. paulex completed its life cycle, satisfactorily, with leaves of E. urophylla in the laboratory.

Hylesia spp. (Saturnidae), una polilla importante en salud pública debido a las cerdas urticantes de las l arvas y/o de los adultos, son recolectadas en diferentes ambientes con potencial de desfoliación de plantas tanto en agricultura como en sistemas forestales. Características biológicas y morfológicas de Hylesia paulex (Dognin, 1922) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) alimentados con Eucalyptus urophylla fueron estudiados en laboratorio. Larvas recién emergidas de esa especie fueron separadas en vasos plásticos (500 ml) con 30 individuos por vaso y alimentados diariamente con hojas frescas de E. urophylla hasta alcanzar el estado adulto. El periodo de incubación de los huevos de H. paulex fue de 32 ±1,19 días con un 65,32 ±14,52% de viabilidad y duración del estado larval de 67,83 ±0,84 días, con siete instares. El comportamiento gregario es importante para mantener una alta tasa de supervivencia durante estos estados en H. paulex. Los estados de pre-pupa y pupa del insecto duraron 3,87 ±0,16 y 21,67 ±0,79 días, respectivamente. La longevidad de las hembras de la especie fue de 4,50 ±0,54 días y para machos de 2,80 ±0,44 días. El número medio de huevos por masa de huevos fue de 132,3. La polilla H. paulex completa su ciclo de vida, satisfactoriamente, con hojas de E. urophylla en laboratorio.

Hylesia spp. (Saturniidae), mariposas importantes para a saúde pública devido às cerdas urticantes de suas larvas e/ou adultos, são coletadas em diferentes hábitats com potencial de desfolhar plantas em sistemas agrícolas e florestais. Parâmetros biológicos e morfológicos de Hylesia paulex (Dognin, 1922) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) alimentada com Eucalyptus urophylla (Myrtaceae) foram estudados em laboratório. Lagartas recém-emergidas dessa espécie foram separadas em 10 potes plásticos (500ml) com 30 delas por pote e alimentadas, diariamente, com folhas frescas de E. urophylla até o estágio adulto. O período de incubação dos ovos de H. paulex foi de 32,00 ±1,19 dias com 65,32 ±14,52% de viabilidade e duração do estágio larval de 67,83 ±0,84 dias, com sete estádios. O comportamento gregário é importante para manter a alta taxa de sobrevivência durante esses estádios para H. paulex. Os estágios de pré-pupa e pupa desse inseto duraram 3,87 ±0,16 e 21,67 ±0,79 dias, respectivamente. A longevidade das fêmeas dessa espécie foi maior (4,50 ±0,54 dias) que a dos machos (2,80 ±0,44 dias). O número de ovos/postura foi de 132,3. Mariposas de H. paulex completaram seu ciclo de vida, satisfatoriamente, com folhas de E. urophylla em laboratório.

Caterpillar Dermatitis Caused by Euproctis similis / 대한피부과학회지

The yellow-tail moth Euproctis similis, belongs to the genus Euproctis (Lymantriidae) and has a wide distribution within Korea, Japan, China and Europe. Contact with the 'urticating hairs' of the Euproctis similis caterpillar induces dermatitis due to the combination of mechanical and chemical mechanisms. Clinically, patients with caterpillar dermatitis show wheals in the early stage and/or erythematous papules in the late stage after contact with the spicules. We report 5 young soldiers who developed pruritic wheals and erythematous papules on their upper back after contact with the hairs of the Euproctis similis caterpillar.