How do butterflies flit?

[O.G. Marti, Jr.]

> but scales can cause 
> serious irritation to the esophagus, trachea, eyes, and other mucous
> membranes.  I have also heard that some people have allergic reactions
> to them as well.  
> >
> >Richard Grace

When I was in French Guiana in 1987, there was a student at the 
ORSTOM entomology lab in Cayenne studying Hylesia metabus for the 
reason you mentioned.  This species apparently was a problem around the 
French rocket launching center at Kourou.  The moths got down the 
worker's collars at night and caused itching and allergic reactions. As I 
recall, it was urticarial body hairs, rather than wing scales, per se, that 
cause the problem. 


Orville G. Marti, Jr., Microbiologist
USDA, ARS, IBPMRL
PO Box 748
Tifton, GA.  31793

omarti at tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu
Phone: 912-387-2328  (office)
Phone: 912-387-2350  (lab)
FAX  : 912-387-2321 
WEB: http://sacs.cpes.peachnet.edu/ibpmrl

 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl