98 SLUG-CATERPILLARS. 
SADDLE-BACK CATERPILLAR. 
(Empretia stimulea Clem.). 
The odd shape and very peculiar coloration, which is de- 
cidedly saddle-shaped, render this caterpillar a very striking 
object, and never fails to excite the wonder of those not 
versed in such things. But it sometimes excites something 
else than wonder! If handled roughly or carelessly the 
caterpillar can cause very severe pain. The thorn-like hairs, 
which grow upon it, sting like nettles, and when applied to 
the back of the hand, or to any other part where the skin is 
tender, the parts touched swell with watery pustules. The 
irritation caused by the acid in these thorns is sometimes 
exceedingly severe, and with some persons becomes a serious 
matter; first inflammation, next swelling, and in extreme 
cases a numbness or even partial paralysis of the entire arm. 
A prompt application of ammonia or bicarbonate of soda acts 
as an antidote, and soon allays the pain. This peculiar 
caterpillar is of a reddish-brown color, rounded above, flat- 
tened beneath, armed with prickly thorns, which are largest 
on the fourth and tenth segments, and with a bright pea- 
green patch, resembling somewhat a saddle in form, over 
the middle portion of the body, centred with a broad, ellipti- 
‘ Fig. 97.—Empretia stimulea Clem.; a, cater- 
ee pillar; moth. From Div. of Entomology, 
Dep. of Agriculture. 
eal, reddish spot, the red spot and green patch both being 
edged with white. The under part of the body is flesh-col- 
ored. Ths caterpillar possesses six true legs but no prolegs. 
The moths are of a deep, rich, reddish velvety-brown 
color, with a dark streak along the middle, extending from 
