Andrew Walker's research focuses on venomous caterpillars, an overlooked area of study within the Lepidoptera order. With over 3,600 known venomous species, these caterpillars can cause severe pain, with stings likened to walking on hot coals. Despite the pain associated with some species, most human encounters result in only mild skin irritations. Walker believes investigating this area reveals much about evolutionary processes in venom composition and ecological impact, indicating that climate change may further influence caterpillar behaviors and distributions, potentially affecting both human and animal populations.
Andrew Walker of the University of Queensland highlights that the world of venomous caterpillars remains largely unexplored and filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.
The majority of human encounters with venomous caterpillars lead to mild rashes and skin irritations, emphasizing that not all interactions are severely harmful.
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