Overview
- CUCSur confirmed the larval Megalopyge opercularis in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga and reported multiple sightings across the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
- Experts describe sudden, severe pain that can radiate from the contact site, with possible nausea, vomiting, fever, tachycardia, fainting and peripheral nerve effects lasting hours to days.
- Specialists say no deaths are documented from this species, yet no specific antidote exists and care focuses on relieving symptoms.
- Guidance urges residents not to touch the caterpillar, to wear protective clothing or use tools, to avoid broad fumigation and to share photos or videos with CUCSur to map occurrences and host trees.
- Initial reports from Nuevo León, Puebla and Yucatán require confirmation, and research points to large venom proteins of roughly 29–32 kilodaltons housed in syringe-like spine structures.