It was a sunny afternoon, perfect for a picnic. The kids played nearby when our daughter pointed at a tree. “The tree has stripes, it’s so pretty!” she said, reaching to touch it. My husband instinctively pulled her back — just in time.

The “stripes” were actually Lonomia caterpillars, among the most venomous insects in the world. They blend into tree bark so well, you might not notice them until it’s too late.

Even light contact with their spines can inject venom, causing “severe pain and dizziness, internal bleeding, fainting, and in rare cases — death.” Children, the elderly, and those with weaker immune systems are most at risk.

We called local environmental authorities, who removed the caterpillars and placed a warning sign to protect others.

Since then, I never go on a nature walk without gloves, a magnifying glass, and a first aid kit. If you see strange clusters or patterns on a tree, don’t touch them — step back and call the authorities. As I tell my kids, “A 2-minute conversation could prevent a tragedy.”