Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars) are an uncommon cause of 
adverse reactions in humans. Most reactions to Lepidoptera are mild and 
self-limited; however, reactions in sensitive individuals and reactions to 
particular species can be severe and life threatening. Specific syndromes caused 
by Lepidoptera include erucism (cutaneous reactions from contact with 
caterpillars, moths, or cocoons), lepidopterism (systemic involvement), 
ophthalmia nodosa (ocular involvement), dendrolimiasis and pararamose (each with 
joint symptoms relating to a specific species of caterpillar), lonomism (a 
severe hemorrhagic disease related to Lonomia species), and seasonal ataxia 
(related to ingestion of Anaphe venata). In most cases, reactions to Lepidoptera 
can be treated symptomatically with prompt removal of offending hairs. 
Antipruritic or anesthetic topical preparations, topical steroids, and oral 
antihistamines are often used. In the case of potentially fatal Lonomia 
envenomation, an effective antivenin has been manufactured.