Larvae of the caterpillar Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni are widely distributed in pine 
groves throughout Israel. Erucism is defined as urtication by Lepidoptera 
larvae. Both irritating effects on contact with skin and eyes and toxic effects 
on ingestion have been described after exposure to several species of 
Lepidoptera. We report the case of a 4-year-old child who vomited repeatedly and 
developed symmetrical swelling of both hands after touching a larva of 
Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni.