One ordinary Saturday morning, I decided to check under the back seat of my car and came across something strange. At first, I thought it might be a dry twig or a piece of craft material, but its rigid, curled shape and tiny hair-like spikes made me suspicious.
Carefully using a napkin, I picked it up and did some research. To my shock, I discovered it was the shed skin of a Lonomia caterpillar — considered one of the most dangerous in the world.
Native to South America, these caterpillars carry toxins in their spines that can disrupt blood clotting, cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and in severe cases, even death. Simply touching or inhaling particles from them can pose serious risks.
Alarmed, I contacted pest control, who confirmed my discovery. They disposed of it safely and inspected my car to ensure no others were hiding inside.
This experience was a powerful reminder that threats can appear in the most unexpected places — even in something as ordinary as your car. Since then, I’ve learned always to be cautious, wear gloves, and never touch anything unfamiliar without care.
What would you have done in my situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
