The Annual Aerial Assault
Every spring, right around April, when the live oaks are putting out their new leaves and the azaleas are in full bloom and everything in New Orleans looks like a garden party, the buck moth caterpillars hatch. They drop from the trees like tiny, spiny paratroopers, landing on sidewalks, park benches, car hoods, and the exposed skin of anyone unfortunate enough to be walking underneath at the wrong moment. Their sting is immediate, sharp, and memorable — somewhere between a wasp sting and a hot needle, with a welt that lasts for days.
The caterpillars are the larval stage of the buck moth, a species that gestates in the live oak trees throughout New Orleans. They're covered in branching spines that deliver venom on contact, which means you don't even have to step on one to feel the consequences. Brush one with your arm, sit on one at a park bench, lean against a tree trunk where one is crawling — congratulations, you've been initiated into one of the city's most universal spring rituals.
The Dive Bombers
What makes buck moth caterpillars particularly unsettling is the dive-bombing. The caterpillars descend from the canopy on silk threads, swinging in the breeze like tiny, venomous pendulums. A lovely spring stroll under the oaks becomes an obstacle course. You're dodging left, ducking right, swatting at your hair, and generally behaving like someone who has lost an argument with the outdoors.
The good news — and residents cling to this — is that annual infestations are a fraction of what they once were. City spraying programs and natural predators have reduced the population significantly. But "a fraction of what they were" still means plenty of caterpillars, and plenty of New Orleanians hopping around on one foot in City Park, cursing and examining the angry red welt forming on their ankle.
Living With the Sting
New Orleanians have developed a practical relationship with buck moth caterpillars. You learn to watch where you walk during caterpillar season. You learn to look up before sitting on a bench. You learn to shake out your towel before laying it down in the park. And you learn to accept that getting stung at least once a spring is just part of the deal — a tax the trees charge for the privilege of living under them.
The sting itself, while painful, is not dangerous for most people. Ice and antihistamine cream are the standard treatments. The welt fades in a few days. The memory lasts longer, especially if you were in the middle of a conversation and had to suddenly stop talking to perform an involuntary dance on the sidewalk. That part, your friends will remember for years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buck Moth Caterpillars
When is caterpillar season in New Orleans?
Buck moth caterpillars typically appear in April, hatching from eggs laid in the live oak trees the previous fall. The season lasts several weeks.
How bad is a buck moth caterpillar sting?
The sting is painful — sharp and burning — and produces a raised welt that can last several days. It's comparable to a wasp sting. Most stings are not medically serious, but people with allergies should seek medical attention.
How can I avoid getting stung?
Watch where you walk and sit during April and early May, especially under live oak trees. Look up before sitting on park benches. Wear long sleeves if walking through heavily treed areas. Beware of caterpillars descending on silk threads.
What do I do if I get stung?
Apply ice to reduce swelling and use antihistamine cream or oral antihistamines for the itch. Avoid scratching. If you experience difficulty breathing or severe swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
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