Moderators Moderator_02 Posted September 26, 2019 Moderators Share Posted September 26, 2019 Quote HEALTH: Over 200 affected by butterfly fluff Posted 25/09/2019 Panama’s The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has confirmed over 200 cases of skin lesions and itching caused by contact with the fluff of the adult butterfly of the genus Hyglesia. According to the Ministry, in West Panama (Burunga and Arraiján0 header) 122 cases have been identified, without any deaths. In addition, 88 cases were reported in the area of Merca Panama and Mocambo. The cases have been detected by personnel from Minsa and the Social Security Fund. "Similar injuries have occurred in previous years, which coincide with migration by the country of this insect between the months of September and November," said Minsa. A multidisciplinary team from Minsa is monitoring the outbreak https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/health-over-200-affected-by-butterfly-fluff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Doug Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 This baffles me. How do people get butterfly fluff all over their skin? And I would love to know what this evil butterfly that attacks ankles looks like. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Woolford Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 5 hours ago, Uncle Doug said: This baffles me. How do people get butterfly fluff all over their skin? And I would love to know what this evil butterfly that attacks ankles looks like. Wikipedia: Butterfly adults are characterized by their four scale-covered wings, which give the Lepidoptera their name (Ancient Greek λεπίς lepís, scale + πτερόν pterón, wing). These scales give butterfly wings their colour: they are pigmented with melanins that give them blacks and browns, as well as uric acid derivatives and flavones that give them yellows, but many of the blues, greens, reds and iridescent colours are created by structural coloration produced by the micro-structures of the scales and hairs. 8 hours ago, Moderator_02 said: genus Hyglesia. I could not find any reference to the genus 'Hyglesias', let alone a photo. Turns out that's because it was misspelled. The correct genus is Hylesias. Wikipedia: Hylesia is a genus of moths in the family Saturniidae. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1820 Some are Nigrinis or Black Moths These guys look familiar Starts here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Doug Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 Thanks, Keith. I will not rub those moths all over my body, no matter how tempting that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Woolford Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 (edited) When flicking a moth off the wall I have noticed a dust that emanates from their wings which I suppose are scales. Interesting that uric acid creates a yellow coloration in butterflies. Same as snow. Edited September 26, 2019 by Keith Woolford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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