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No confirmed photo of Buck moth caterpillar
Buck moth caterpillar
What the sources say
Venom: “It’s dark, spiny body is covered in clusters of sharp, branched venomous spines.” (Texas A&M AgriLife)
Texas Bugs and Insects That Sting or Bite
Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
On this page
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension / Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project: No count stated.
This page lists 18 insects. 11 are venomous by official accounts. 1 is nonnative.
Not every species: no complete official list of Texas insects exists, so this page covers the ones state and Extension sources name. How lists are built.
Which insects can hurt you
Official sources single out these insects in Texas, in their own words:
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Photo: Judy Gallagher · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Red imported fire ant
Stings repeatedly. “Imported fire ants are aggressive, will defensively attack anything that disturbs them, and can sting repeatedly. … Some people become sensitive to fire ant stings and should seek the advice of an allergist.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension / Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project
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Photo: Sue Carnahan · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Southern flannel moth caterpillar (asp, puss caterpillar)
Venomous spines. “Touching an asp caterpillar can cause severe pain and may even require a trip to the hospital, according to AgriLife Extension experts.” Texas A&M AgriLife
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Kissing bugs
Disease. “C hagas disease is spread mainly by the feces of an infected kissing bug. … research out of Texas A&M University suggests that one in two kissing bugs in Texas are infected with the parasite.” Texas Department of State Health Services
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Photo: Jesse Rorabaugh · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist Honey bee (includes the Africanized strain)
Stinging attacks. “In addition, the presence of Africanized honey bees increases the chance of stinging attacks.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
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Photo: Cole Shoemaker · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Southern yellowjacket
Can sting repeatedly. “They may be aggressive when foraging, especially in the fall.” Texas Cooperative Extension
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Paper wasps
Venomous sting (AgriLife Extension). “Reaction is immediate but should subside in a few hours to a few days.” Texas Cooperative Extension
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Photo: Judy Gallagher · CC BY-SA 4.0 · iNaturalist · resized Red velvet ant (cow killer)
Extremely painful sting (AgriLife Extension). “Stings are considered extremely painful.” Texas Cooperative Extension
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Blister beetles
Toxin blisters skin. “They are dangerous if eaten, and can cause a reaction in the urinary tract.” Texas Cooperative Extension
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Centipedes
Venomous bite. “There may be burning pain, nausea and temporary paralysis.” Texas Cooperative Extension
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Buck moth, spiny oak slug, hickory tussock, saddleback and Io moth caterpillars
Stinging caterpillars (AgriLife Extension). “These fuzzy, or sometimes spiky, insects may seem harmless but can cause itchy rashes, intense pain and severe reactions requiring medical” Texas A&M AgriLife
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Blood feeders: mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas, lice, ticks, chiggers
Some transmit diseases (AgriLife Extension). “Blood feeders sometimes transmit diseases.” Texas Cooperative Extension
All 18 insects
Venomous species first, then A to Z. Do not handle them.
No confirmed photo of Bumble bees
Bumble bees
Bombus spp.
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
No confirmed photo of Centipedes
Centipedes
Scolopendra and other genera
- Danger to people
- “There may be burning pain, nausea and temporary paralysis.” Texas Cooperative Extension
What the sources say
Venom: “The first pair of ‘legs’ is actually a pair of hollow fangs with a venom gland at the base.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
Cicada killer
Sphecius speciosus
- Size
- About 1 1/8 to 1 5/8 inches long (OSU, NC State); females up to nearly 2 inches, males up to 1.5 inches (University of Kentucky). Females larger than males.
- How to recognize it
- Nests in the ground: burrow about 1/2 inch wide with a U-shaped soil mound at the entrance
- Hole about 1/2 inch across with excavated soil piled around it
- Hovers 1-2 ft above the ground near nests
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
Honey bee (includes the Africanized strain)
Apis mellifera
- Danger to people
- “In addition, the presence of Africanized honey bees increases the chance of stinging attacks.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
- Size
- About 10 percent smaller than a European honey bee, a difference too subtle to see without measurement or lab tests.
- How to recognize it
- Cannot be identified by eye: only DNA testing or microscopic measurements can tell it from a European honey bee.
- Clue is behavior and nest site: very defensive, and may nest in small cavities such as water meter boxes, old tires, house eaves or the ground.
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
No confirmed photo of Mud daubers
Mud daubers
Chalybion, Sceliphron, Trypoxylon and others
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
No confirmed photo of Paper wasps (including red wasps)
Paper wasps (including red wasps)
Polistes spp.
- Danger to people
- “Reaction is immediate but should subside in a few hours to a few days.” Texas Cooperative Extension
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
Red imported fire ant
Solenopsis invicta
- Danger to people
- “Imported fire ants are aggressive, will defensively attack anything that disturbs them, and can sting repeatedly. … Some people become sensitive to fire ant stings and should seek the advice of an …” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension / Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project
- Where in Texas
- "spread steadily across the state" (Extension) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
What the sources say
Venom: “Cyto-toxins and hemolytics in the fire ant venom cause necrosis of the skin and underlying connective tissue, creating a characteristic sterile pustule.” (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service)
Red velvet ant (cow killer)
Dasymutilla occidentalis
- Danger to people
- “Stings are considered extremely painful.” Texas Cooperative Extension
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
Southern flannel moth caterpillar (asp, puss caterpillar)
Megalopyge opercularis
- Danger to people
- “Touching an asp caterpillar can cause severe pain and may even require a trip to the hospital, according to AgriLife Extension experts.” Texas A&M AgriLife
- Size
- About 1 inch long per most extension sources; full-grown larvae reared by UF/IFAS reached about 1.4 inches (1.6 inches including the tail). MDC says about 1.5 inches.
- How to recognize it
- Teardrop shape with hairs tapering to a tail; looks like a tiny mouse or a cat
- Resembles a tiny mouse; younger larvae have a thick tuft of hair like a tail. Older larvae can look unkempt, with sparser hair that hides the stinging spines less well (VCE).
- Venomous hollow spines hidden under the soft hair
What the sources say
Venom: “Asps have spines attached to venom glands that can lead to a nasty sting, rash and other issues.” (Texas A&M AgriLife)
Full Southern flannel moth caterpillar (asp, puss caterpillar) guide
Southern yellowjacket
Vespula squamosa
- Danger to people
- “They may be aggressive when foraging, especially in the fall.” Texas Cooperative Extension
What the sources say
Venom: “The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.” (Texas Cooperative Extension)
No confirmed photo of Blister beetles
Blister beetles
Epicauta and other genera
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Danger to people
- “They are dangerous if eaten, and can cause a reaction in the urinary tract.” Texas Cooperative Extension
No confirmed photo of Hickory tussock moth caterpillar
Hickory tussock moth caterpillar
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Io moth caterpillar
Io moth caterpillar
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Kissing bugs (7 species in Texas; triatomines)
Kissing bugs (7 species in Texas; triatomines)
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Where in Texas
- Across the state, most variety in central Texas (DSHS guide) Texas Department of State Health Services
Saddleback caterpillar
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Saltmarsh caterpillar (woolly bear)
Saltmarsh caterpillar (woolly bear)
Estigmene acrea
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
No confirmed photo of Spiny oak slug caterpillar
Spiny oak slug caterpillar
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Insects and Bugs people confuse
Puss caterpillar (southern flannel moth) or Saltmarsh caterpillar (a woolly bear)?
No confirmed photo of Saltmarsh caterpillar (a woolly bear)
Saltmarsh caterpillar (a woolly bear) Not stated
Texas A&M AgriLife says saltmarsh caterpillars are often confused with stinging caterpillars because they are fuzzy, and cautions: never handle fuzzy caterpillars unless you are sure they are not a stinging species; if you aren't 100% sure what an insect is, don't touch it with bare hands. Texas A&M AgriLife
Africanized Honey Bee or European honey bee?
Africanized Honey Bee Venomous
European honey bee Venomous
Not by sight: same species and same appearance. Differences are behavior and nest choice, and a confirmed ID needs testing.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When insects are active in Texas
Records of insects in Texas peak in April to May, July and September to October. They show when people record insects, not how many there are (about month bars).
- Alligators are mostly inactive mid-October to early March; March to May is peak breeding and nesting. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Stinging caterpillar encounters rise in the warmer months, April to June. Texas A&M AgriLife
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from Texas A&M AgriLife:
- Do not touch fuzzy caterpillars unless sure they are not a stinging species. Texas A&M AgriLife
How to report
Aquatic invasive species: email [email protected] (TPWD). TPWD general phone: (512) 389-4800 or (800) 792-1112. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
About this list
The species list comes from No complete official list. Medically significant and commonly asked insects from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas DSHS (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension / Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project, mixed; see sources). 18 more entries come from other official sources named on each card.
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
"Nonnative" and "Invasive" follow the wording of the source list. See invasive species in Texas.
Sources
- Mission & Philosophy. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
- Medical Information (Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension / Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project. September 19, 2018; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (2)
“No count stated.”
“Imported fire ants are aggressive, will defensively attack anything that disturbs them, and can sting repeatedly. … Some people become sensitive to fire ant stings and should seek the advice of an allergist.”
- Diagnosing and Treating Nondomestic and Exotic Animals for Red Imported Fire Ant Injury (ENTO-004 03/14). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. 03/14; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“Cyto-toxins and hemolytics in the fire ant venom cause necrosis of the skin and underlying connective tissue, creating a characteristic sterile pustule.”
- Start looking out for stinging caterpillars (AgriLife Today). Texas A&M AgriLife (AgriLife Today, quoting AgriLife Extension specialists). 2025-05-29 (published; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (7)
“Asps have spines attached to venom glands that can lead to a nasty sting, rash and other issues.”
“Touching an asp caterpillar can cause severe pain and may even require a trip to the hospital, according to AgriLife Extension experts.”
“It’s dark, spiny body is covered in clusters of sharp, branched venomous spines.”
“These fuzzy, or sometimes spiky, insects may seem harmless but can cause itchy rashes, intense pain and severe reactions requiring medical”
“While many fuzzy caterpillars are harmless, never handle them unless you’re sure they are not a stinging species, Brown said.”
“Many people spend more time in outdoor areas like yards, parks and forests during warmer months from April-June – increasing the chance of encountering these insects.”
“Brown said she has been getting questions about saltmarsh caterpillars, often confused for stinging caterpillars because they’re fuzzy. … While many fuzzy caterpillars are harmless, never handle them unless you’re sure they are not a stinging species … If you aren’t 100% sure what an insect is, it’s best not to touch it with your bare hands.”
- Kissing Bugs & Chagas Disease: What You Need to Know (guide, English). Texas Department of State Health Services (hosted PDF). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“C hagas disease is spread mainly by the feces of an infected kissing bug. … research out of Texas A&M University suggests that one in two kissing bugs in Texas are infected with the parasite.”
- Venomous Terrestrial Animals of Texas (B-6118). Texas Cooperative Extension (now Texas A&M AgriLife Extension). 8-04 (publication code B-6118 8-04; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (8)
“The species highlighted here are some of the best known, most commonly encountered, and most dangerous of venomous animals.”
“They may be aggressive when foraging, especially in the fall.”
“Reaction is immediate but should subside in a few hours to a few days.”
“Stings are considered extremely painful.”
“They are dangerous if eaten, and can cause a reaction in the urinary tract.”
“The first pair of ‘legs’ is actually a pair of hollow fangs with a venom gland at the base.”
“There may be burning pain, nausea and temporary paralysis.”
“Blood feeders sometimes transmit diseases.”
- Honey Bees In and Around Buildings (ENTO-080). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. 12/17; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (2)
“Only DNA testing or microscopic measurements can determine whether a colony is of European descent or is some form of African hybrid.”
“In addition, the presence of Africanized honey bees increases the chance of stinging attacks.”
- TPWD Wildlife Fact Sheet: American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“Alligators in Texas are mostly inactive from mid-October until early March. March through May is the alligator's peak time for breeding and nesting.”
- TPWD Wildlife Fact Sheet: Aquatic Invasive Species. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“For information or to report sightings of aquatic invasive species, email [email protected].”
- GBIF.org occurrence records, human observations licensed CC0 1.0 or CC BY 4.0 only, accessed November 3, 2026. The datasets behind these counts are listed on our Sources page.