This Caterpillar Looks Like It’s A Bad Toupee But It’s Actually Quite Venomous

And you think you’re having a bad hair day…

There is a caterpillar that exists that totally looks like a bad toupee. I’m not kidding.

The caterpillar is called the puss caterpillar, which is the larva of the southern flannel moth.

Now, while you might be curious to touch it – DON’T. It’s actually quite venomous and the “hairs” are actually spines which can give you a painful reaction if touched.

According to National Geographic, it is the most venomous caterpillar in the U.S. and even a simple brush with the insect can cause “excruciating pain”.

The caterpillars’ fur hides toxic spines that stick to your skin. YIKES!

Making contact with the caterpillar could cause a rash, vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, swollen glands and shock, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

And now the Virginia state forestry is warning residents since they have been spotted.

So, what do you do if you come across one?

“If you find the caterpillar, leave it alone and let its natural enemies control their populations— there are a number of other insects that will prey on them at different stages of their life cycle,” the department said.

So, if you see a random looking toupee or wig-like thing sitting there, just don’t touch it. Leave it alone and run far, far away.