More Wild Mushrooms & A Warning.

[Cuban]

With recent rains we have had, the wild mushroom crop is doing well. When gathering I've avoided snakes, scorpions and sunstroke - it's always the S's that are dangerous in Thailand. But the other morning when pushing my way out of the undergrowth I felt a scratch on my cheek as a branch brushed past my face: I had thought I was careful to avoid those branches with big two inch spikey thorns.

Within a few moments what I thought was a thorn scratch started to fizz - it felt like a can of coke slowly being opened inside my face. I was close to my motorbike, checking in the mirror, a red rash was spreading from my cheek bone to nose. Wondering what had caused this I ventured back to the forest path that I had just left to see if I could find the cause expecting it to be some bush that I hadn't encountered before. I was surprised that I found the ofending creature at once - it was a bright green catapiller. Slightly concerned that the rash would get worst, I put the bug in a plastic bag in case it were needed if later I went to hospital.

Leaving the rest of the family to continue mushroom hunting I went home seeking either village cures or anti histamines. During the ten minute ride over dirt tracks the sting developed and continued to fizz, but apart from some red spots and enflamed skin I felt the worst was over by the time I reached home. After washing with soapy water, walking then feeding the dogs and checking the progress again, I decided I would probably live and my face would not fall off. By mid afternoon I couldn't see where the little bugger had got me, so the catapiller was released into the trees alongside the house .

Lovely mushrooms and another little bit of education/experiance for village life.

[Chinavet]

Ugly pretty lil thing. Thanks for the heads up on that one.

[senshusband]

Good to hear that you're ok. Congratulations on the successful mushroom expedition. They look great. I showed my wife the pic and she was ready to go home (Thailand) and get up on the mtn. and look for some herself.

[Starlifter]

Showed the insect picture to my wife and she said eeeewwww! Seams she had a bad experience with "little inch" worms as a child in Thailand. I was always told be be careful with mushrooms as some could be poisonous. I assume your family members knows which ones are safe to eat? Of course chase it with Thai whiskey could help

[Cuban]

I was always told be be careful with mushrooms as some could be poisonous. I assume your family members knows which ones are safe to eat? Of course chase it with Thai whiskey could help

Indeed, I am guided as to the good vs bad ones, I'm aware of most of the common bad ones we encounter now, there is one that is easy to mistake and I check those that are similar with an 'adult' first.

To be honest the biggest danger I encounter is ants, they like to nest in just the right spot for 'Egg Mushrooms' which are totally lovely.

[Cuban]

It's from the family Limacodidae and some respondants suggest a type of saddleback moth, I've no pictures of the adult moth but at least one person suggested the next one I find I keep and nuture to maturity in case it's not yet documented. I have read that there are many speices that are not yet offically named.

Some useful notes for those finding this thread.

The larvae are green and fairly smooth many have tubercles with stinging (urticating) hairs and may have bright warning colours. The sting can be quite potent causing severe pain. If you come in contact with the stinging hairs, the experience is much like a bee sting.

To remove the hairs quickly, place a piece of cellophane tape (or whatever kind of tape you have at hand) over the spot and remove it quickly - the hairs will stick to the tape. The sooner you do this, the less effect the sting will have.

A solution of 2–2.5% hydrocortisone cream applied to the affected area may help relieve the symptoms.

A more serious consequence is urticating hair in the eyes. In this case it is necessary to immediately wash the eye thoroughly with copious amounts of cold water and see an ophthalmologist.

Urticating hair is the primary defense mechanism used by tarantulas and lepidopteran caterpillars. This term refers to the barbed hairs that cover the dorsal and posterior surface of the abdomen. Many tarantula species will frequently kick hairs off their abdomens, directing them toward potential attackers. These hairs can embed themselves in the other animal's skin or eyes, thus inducing physical irritation. Or create a dust cloud that affects the lungs if breathed in. Urtica is Latin for "nettle".

[bergen]

Thanks for posting Cuban. I saw something similar in a Tamarind tree near my swimming pool a couple of days ago, before reading this, and now know to be cautious in the future!