Beware This Cute Fuzzy Caterpillar in Missouri is a King of Sting

Do you enjoy pain? If so, make sure to find and pick up this cute fuzzy little caterpillar that you'll often find in Missouri and Illinois then you'll understand why some call it the king of sting.

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Have you ever had a run-in with the American Dagger Moth. That's one of the most appropriately named moths in history in my not-so-humble opinion. The problem is this little critter is so dang cute before it becomes a full-grown moth.

It looks so fluffy and yellow you'll just want to pick it up and cuddle it and that would be a massive mistake.

Insect Identification explains what can happen next:

The bristles break off and embed themselves into skin. Toxins stored inside the hairs have a stinging sensation if touched. Many curious children have unwittingly picked up these big, fuzzy, bright creatures and consequently experienced a burning, itching sensation on their skin which can develop into a rash.

For the record, I'm not blaming the caterpillar/moth for the stinging. It's a defense mechanism designed to foil curious people like me. American Dagger Moth 1, Me 0. 

This is a rather common albeit vicious creature that's found pretty much everywhere east of the Rocky Mountains.

The American Dagger Moth is nature's way of saying look but don't touch...unless you'd like to get stung and develop a nasty rash of course.