Revealing the ecology and toxinology of deadly venomous caterpillars from the genus Lonomia in Colombia

In South America, accidents caused by contact with lepidopterous larvae are common and can produce a diversity of reactions that vary from dermatological problems to severe haemorragic syndromes, as caterpillars from the genus Lonomia (Saturniidae) may cause. In Colombia, several cases of medical importance due to contact with L. achelous caterpillars, have been reported. The only treatment available is the anti-lonomia antivenom produced by the Instituto Butantan in Brazil against Lonomia obliqua.