Brazilian Bugs

[octoproctor]

Hi Guys,

I'm a Scotsman living in Brazil, and continuously come across insects, arachnids and other such bugs that I can't identify. I also have a one year old son, so I'm trying to improve my knowledge of the local wildlife so as not to expose him to anything dangerous. 
Right now I live in a town called Penedo in Rio de Janeiro.
I found this guy on my fence today, about the size of my thumb. Looks like a caterpillar with feathers and a punk hairstyle:) Any ideas?

I'll probably be returning with a few more inquiries if that's OK.  

[Deleted]

That's a cool looking caterpillar, it is probably some species of Megalopyge. If that is correct, there is a good chance it is poisonous and you wouldn't want your son handling it! Hope this helps, I can look for the exact species if you want.

ps--have you had any trouble with the bandits?

[octoproctor]

Thanks very much Sombra! Do you know how poisonous they are? I'm cutting the hedge just now, right in beside all the beasties:)
I had a quick look online, it says they're also known as a woolly slug, which seems to fit.

I've not personally been attacked by bandits here, but practically everyone has a story about getting mugged. Two girls were held at knife-point outside my door once, but one of them grabbed the knife and the bandit tried to run off and fell on his face. instant karma:)

[Deleted]

They aren't that poisonous it looks like, comparable to a jellyfish sting. Still not something you want to mess with. If you see this caterpillar though, watch out. It has killed many people in the past, it is called Lonomia obliqua.





Gotta love the instant karma, hopefully you stay safe.