It was one of those flawless summer afternoons—bright skies, a soft breeze, and the comforting scent of freshly cut grass drifting through the air. We had spread our picnic blanket in a quiet little grove, away from the busy trail, while the children played happily close by.
A few minutes later, our daughter wandered a bit further than we liked. Her voice rang out, filled with wonder:
“Mom, Dad, look! This tree has stripes—it’s so beautiful!”
At first, it sounded innocent. But when I glanced over, my breath caught. She was reaching out, her small hand only inches from the trunk. Before I could even react, my husband bolted up and rushed toward her, pulling her back just in time.
That’s when we both saw it—the “stripes” weren’t part of the bark at all. They were shifting, wriggling.
The trunk was covered in a cluster of Lonomia caterpillars, some of the most venomous insects in the world. Their spines can inject a toxin capable of causing severe illness, even organ failure, and they camouflage so perfectly against tree bark that it’s almost impossible to notice them at first glance.
Because of his quick reaction, disaster was avoided. We immediately contacted local authorities, who came, removed the caterpillars safely, and posted a warning sign in the area.
Since that day, we’ve made it a strict family rule: no touching unusual insects, patterns, or “strange designs” in nature. Always stop, look closer, and if in doubt—call the experts. A few moments of caution can mean the difference between safety and a serious accident.