Pest profile

Stinging Rose Caterpillar

Parasa indetermina · Lepidoptera: Limacodidae[2]

The stinging rose caterpillar's bright stripes and spiny horns are warning colors: the spines sting.[1]

Stinging rose caterpillar, orange and yellow with dark stripes down the back and spiny yellow horns, on a leaf
Stinging rose caterpillar, orange and yellow with dark stripes down the back and spiny yellow horns, on a leaf. Photo: Jess Miller-Camp, public domain (CC0), via iNaturalist

How to identify it

  • It's yellow to red with black and blue stripes down the back and fainter red, blue and black stripes along the sides.[1]
  • Prominent spiny yellow horns stick out at the front, rear and middle of the body.[1]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Saddleback caterpillarA related slug caterpillar with a purple-centered green saddle.[1]

Where it lives

UK Extension lists it among the commonly encountered stinging caterpillars in Kentucky.[1]

US map: public records from 22 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

It feeds on bushes and low tree branches.[1]

Like other slug caterpillars, it typically has one generation a year.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Hosts include redbud, oak, hickory, bayberry, wild cherry and sycamore.[1]

Health risk

Its spines release venom that can cause pain, swelling, blistering and skin irritation.[1]

Control

Prevention

Remove a caterpillar from clothing or skin with a stick, never a bare hand; broken spines can lodge in clothes and gloves.[1]

Traps and physical control

Clip and relocate the leaf or stem holding a lone caterpillar.[1]

Common questions

What should I do if a caterpillar stings me?
Pull broken spines out with tape, wash with soap and water, use an ice pack, and see a doctor if the reaction is severe.[1]
Should I spray for stinging caterpillars?
Usually not; preventive sprays aren't recommended unless they're numerous where people gather.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Kentucky Entomology (ENTFACT), “Stinging Caterpillars (ENTFACT-003).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef003 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Parasa indetermina taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/153078 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.