Abstract
Erucism is the name given to manifestations—mostly dermal—caused by larvae or caterpillars of the Lepidoptera order, whereas lepidopterism is reserved to effects caused by adult insects. Moths of genus Hylesia are the principal determinants of lepidopterism in the Americas, its geographical distribution ranging from Mexico to Rio de La Plata, Argentina. About 100 different species have been identified. H metabus has been found predominantly in French Guiana and probably in Venezuela. Its biological cycle lasts about 3 months, at the end of which arrow-like setae (French, fléchettes) are shed abundantly by females when attracted by electric light. These arrows carry long-lasting urticant substances responsible for severe dermatitis produced upon contact with the skin. Lesions consist essentially of urticarial or papuloerythematous dermatitis with discreet vesicular degeneration. These are considered primary irritative lesions, because they appear without previous sensitization. We were also able to show the presence of a necrotizing product after applying, for a short time, minute amounts of concentrated aqueous extract of female moths as a patch test, to the skin of a volunteer. Hylesia moths are harmful not only to human beings but also to agriculture. More than a dozen host trees are prey to their ravenous larvae. Physical, educational, and biological means have been tried successfully in the erradication of this pest.
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