Geographical and temporal distribution of Megalopygidae in the United States and Puerto Rico

Background

The venom of Megalopygidae caterpillars causes inflammation and pain. Understanding geographic and temporal variation in exposure will help physicians and the public understand when and where the species in this family may be encountered.

Methods

Photographs uploaded by community scientists to the iNaturalist database were reviewed and identified. GIS data points were used to model distribution of species based on geographic variables at the location of photographs for each group. Data on temporal abundance was also noted.

Results

Maps were created predicting the geographic range for 11 species of Megalopygidae. Peak larval abundance for the most abundant species, Megalopyge opercularis, was determined as September in the southeastern United States and October in south-central US.

Conclusion

Geographic and temporal distributions, based on community science observations, allow for more accurate predictions on the likelihood of encountering venomous Megalopygidae caterpillars.