Posted by Jennifer Boudreaux on September 25, 2006

Q: Can you tell me if Monarch Caterpillars sting humans? We have a milkweed plant in our butterfly garden and we have Monarch Caterpillars all over it. My boys are fascinated with them, but I did not want them to get too close in case they sting.

Habitat: stream/river

State: Louisiana

Habitat: stream/river

A: Jennifer, your question is a good one and I can see why you're asking. Some kinds of caterpillars do have hairs on their bodies that can be prickly and stick in your skin but they really can't "sting" - no caterpillar stings.

Monarch Caterpillars are really interesting animals and are totally safe for your boys to watch and learn about. It's always best to leave them alone (not touch) but they can do absolutely NO harm. If they pick out a particular plant with a caterpillar, they can watch it daily and see how quickly these caterpillars grow. Monarchs here in the north (I live in New York State) are already migrating south on their way to Mexico. Your sons will be "experts" if they watch this amazing process of growth, then the chrysalis stage, then adult. My best and thanks for writing.

John Wiessinger ( September 25, 2006)