No confirmed photo of Bees
Bees
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
West Virginia Bugs and Insects That Sting or Bite
Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
On this page
This page lists 26 insects and 5 ticks: 8 from West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University's Bites & Stings; West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan Appendix B; Ticks and 23 named in other official sources. 9 are venomous by official accounts. 13 are nonnative.
Not every species: no complete official list of West Virginia 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 West Virginia, in their own words:
-
Bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets
Stings can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening emergency. “A severe reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, is a potentially life-threatening emergency and requires immediate attention.” West Virginia Department of Health
-
Puss Caterpillar
Painful sting. “…it is the caterpillar notorious for causing the most amount of pain for the longest amount of time” West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University
Ticks (arachnids, not insects)
Official sources single out these ticks in West Virginia, in their own words:
-
Photo: Jack Forrester · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Blacklegged (Deer) Tick
Lyme disease. “Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a black-legged deer tick, which carries the disease.” WVDNR
-
Photo: Jasper Shide · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist Lone Star Tick
Vector of ehrlichiosis in West Virginia. “The geographic distribution of ehrlichiosis cases in humans (E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii) reflected the geographic distribution of its tick vector, the lone star tick.” WV Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services
All 26 insects and 5 ticks
Venomous species first, then A to Z. Do not handle them.
No confirmed photo of Hagmoth Caterpillar (Monkey Slug)
Hagmoth Caterpillar (Monkey Slug)
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
No confirmed photo of Hornets
Hornets
What the sources say
Venom: “Stinging or biting insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. … People who are allergic to venom may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.” (NIOSH)
No confirmed photo of Io Moth Caterpillar
Io Moth Caterpillar
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
No confirmed photo of Puss Caterpillar
Puss Caterpillar
- Danger to people
- “…it is the caterpillar notorious for causing the most amount of pain for the longest amount of time” West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
Saddleback Caterpillar
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
Stinging Rose Caterpillar
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
No confirmed photo of Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Tussock Moth Caterpillar
What the sources say
Venom: “These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
No confirmed photo of Yellow Jackets
Yellow Jackets
What the sources say
Venom: “Stinging or biting insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. … People who are allergic to venom may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.” (NIOSH)
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Asian Bush Mosquito
Aedes japonicus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
.jpg){kind=link}
Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia axyridis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- About 1/4 to 1/3 in long; Penn State gives 9/32 in (7 mm) long, larger than most native lady beetles.
- How to recognize it
- Black mark behind the head, the most reliable identifying feature per Minnesota Extension, which describes it as an M. Penn State and Iowa State describe it as a W, and it may look thick, thin, broken or filled in. It can be hard to see on dark beetles.
- Dome-shaped, oval body
- Releases a smelly yellow fluid from the leg joints when disturbed, which can stain surfaces
No confirmed photo of Asian Longhorned Tick
Asian Longhorned Tick
Haemaphysalis longicornis
- 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 Asian Tiger Mosquito
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Blacklegged (Deer) Tick
Ixodes scapularis
- 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
- “Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a black-legged deer tick, which carries the disease.” WVDNR
What the sources say
Habitat: Commonly encountered in mixed forests and along woodland edges (West Virginia University Extension)
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Halyomorpha halys
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Adults about 5/8 inch (about 17 mm) long; shield-shaped, almost as wide as long.
- How to recognize it
- Two white bands on the antennae; blunt front edge of head; smooth shoulder margin; dark bands at the tip of the membranous forewings; banded abdominal edge visible beside the wings
- Smooth (not spiny) shoulders; slightly larger than most native stink bugs
Common Carpenter Bee
Xylocopa virginica
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Emerald Ash Borer
Agrilus planipennis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- About 3/8 to 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide; small enough to fit on a penny
- How to recognize it
- Slender, bullet-shaped body
- Signs on ash trees: S-shaped galleries under the bark and D-shaped exit holes about 1/8 inch across
- Tree symptoms: dead branches near the top, sprouts on the trunk, vertical bark cracks, and woodpecker 'blonding'
European Hornet
Vespa crabro
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Workers up to 1 inch (25 mm); queens slightly larger, up to about 1.3 inches.
- How to recognize it
- Large size plus reddish-brown color on the thorax and first abdominal segment
- C-shaped eyes; somewhat hairy body
- Flies at night and comes to porch lights
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
German Yellow Jacket
Vespula germanica
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Gulf Coast Tick
Amblyomma maculatum
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Adelges tsugae
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
Japanese Beetle
Popillia japonica
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Adults about 1/3 to 1/2 inch long (WSDA); 7/16 inch (Kentucky); 3/8 inch long and 1/4 inch wide (Iowa State).
- How to recognize it
- Row of five white hair tufts on each side of the abdomen
- Leaves eaten between the veins look lace-like (skeletonized)
Lone Star Tick
Amblyomma americanum
- 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
- “The geographic distribution of ehrlichiosis cases in humans (E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii) reflected the geographic distribution of its tick vector, the lone star tick.” WV Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services
- Where in West Virginia
- Lone star ticks were predominantly active in southwestern West Virginia from 2021-2023 West Virginia University Extension
What the sources say
Habitat: Commonly encountered in dense woodlands and around animal nesting areas (West Virginia University Extension)
Monarch
Danaus plexippus
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Conservation
- Federal candidate species (WVDNR list revised 2022). Check current status.
No confirmed photo of Periodical Cicada
Periodical Cicada
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
.jpg){kind=link}
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Bombus affinis
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Conservation
- Federally endangered (WVDNR list revised 2022)
Spongy Moth
Lymantria dispar
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Mature caterpillars 1.5 to 2.5 inches long (Missouri: up to 2 inches). Male moths about 1.5-inch wingspread; females larger, about 2 to 2.5 inches.
- How to recognize it
- Older caterpillars have a double row of five pairs of blue spots followed by six pairs of red spots down the back, and tufts of hair on each segment.
- Spongy moth caterpillars do not make silk webs or tents.
- Females are white and cannot fly; males are brown and fly erratically in daytime in July and August.
Spotted Lanternfly
Lycorma delicatula
- Venom
- No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
- Size
- Adults are roughly 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide.
- How to recognize it
- Forewings brown or gray with black spots, ending in a speckled band.
- Hind wings scarlet with black spots, plus white and black bars.
- Abdomen yellow with black bars. Legs and head black.
No confirmed photo of Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Woolly Bear Caterpillar
What the sources say
Venom: “The majority of fuzzy caterpillars are not toxic. These caterpillars trick their prey by looking like caterpillars that do sting. A classic example in West Virginia is the woolley bear caterpillar.” (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University)
Insects and Bugs people confuse
Emerald ash borer or Japanese beetle?
Emerald ash borer Not stated
Japanese beetle Not stated
Listed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and DNR among insects confused with EAB. The sheet gives photos, not a written test.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When insects are active in West Virginia
Records of insects in West Virginia peak in June to August. They show when people record insects, not how many there are (about month bars).
- Most tickborne infections occur late spring through early fall. WV Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services
- Bites and stings usually occur in warmer months. West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University
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 West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University, West Virginia Department of Health and WVDNR:
- Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222; the West Virginia Poison Center is available 24 hours a day for bites and stings. West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University
- For anaphylaxis symptoms after a bee sting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. West Virginia Department of Health
- Do not touch caterpillars with barbs or hairs. West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University
- Do not pick up or handle wildlife; handling can expose you to rabies, roundworms and ticks. WVDNR
How to report
Report wildlife violations to any WVDNR district office or (844) 484-7367. Report sick or dead wildlife to a local district office. For nuisance wildlife, consult a WVDNR biologist or Natural Resources Police Officer, or hire a licensed Wildlife Damage Control Agent. For pest questions, WVDA Plant Industries Division: (304) 558-2212. No dedicated WVDNR invasive-species sighting line was found. WVDNR
About this list
The species list comes from Bites & Stings; West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan Appendix B; Ticks (West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University, undated page; footer © 2026). 23 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 West Virginia.
Sources
- Wildlife Diseases in West Virginia. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). WordPress modified 2026-06-25; checked November 3, 2026.
- Bites & Stings. West Virginia Poison Center, West Virginia University. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (6)
“These animals use poisonous venom as a means to capture prey or defending of themselves or nesting areas.”
“…it is the caterpillar notorious for causing the most amount of pain for the longest amount of time”
“The majority of fuzzy caterpillars are not toxic. These caterpillars trick their prey by looking like caterpillars that do sting. A classic example in West Virginia is the woolley bear caterpillar.”
“Have an Emergency? Call 1-800-222-1222”
“…the best rule of thumb is to avoid touching any caterpillar with barbs or hairs”
“Bites and stings usually occur during the warmer months.”
- West Virginia Department of Health Warns Residents of Increased Bee Stings. West Virginia Department of Health. September 26, 2024; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (2)
“A severe reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, is a potentially life-threatening emergency and requires immediate attention.”
“If you experience any of the above symptoms related to anaphylaxis following a bee sting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.”
- Insects and Scorpions at Work. CDC / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). archived copy, captured October 4, 2026; checked November 3, 2026. Archived copy.
Quoted passages (1)
“Stinging or biting insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. … People who are allergic to venom may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.”
- West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Voluntary Guidelines (Appendix B). West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). 2014; checked November 3, 2026.
- Carpenter Bee. West Virginia University Extension. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
- Ticks. West Virginia University Extension. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
- Nature Care: Leave Young Wildlife Alone. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). posted 2023-07-07; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (2)
“Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a black-legged deer tick, which carries the disease.”
“The handling of wildlife also can increase the risk of transmitting rabies, roundworms or other parasites, such as ticks, to the person handling the animal.”
- 2021-2023 West Virginia Tick Surveillance Report. WV Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services. covers 2021-2023; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“The geographic distribution of ehrlichiosis cases in humans (E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii) reflected the geographic distribution of its tick vector, the lone star tick.”
- Spotted Lanternfly. West Virginia University Extension. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
- Cicadas. West Virginia University Extension. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
- Federally Threatened and Endangered Species in West Virginia. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). Revised: 19 September 2022; checked November 3, 2026.
- Tickborne Diseases. WV Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“Most infections occur from late spring through early fall when ticks (and people and pets) are most active.”
- West Virginia Reptile and Amphibian Regulations (summary). West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). 05/2023; checked November 3, 2026.
Quoted passages (1)
“Citizens may report violations to any DNR district office or call (844) 484-7367.”
- 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.