Cocoon

This caterpillar, which will later become the tussock moth, has caused an uptick in reports of incidents where Floridians have suffered stinging and rashes after coming in contact with the caterpillar or its oft-encountered cocoon. University of Florida expert Eileen Buss advises residents to remove the caterpillars and cocoons, but carefully and only after putting on protective clothing.

(UF/IFAS file photo)
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