The insect order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) contains several species of caterpillars that are armed with fragile spines and/or stinging hairs. These special hairs provide protection against predators, such as birds and curious small boys! The modified hairs are called urticating hairs (after Urtica, Latin for ‘sting’) and cause wheals and widespread rashes on sensitive people. The irritating hairs remain on the shed skins of caterpillars, and on their cocoons when they pupate, so these must be avoided too. Irritated skin is treated by applying a piece of adhesive tape, which is then pulled off immediately. This removes some of the stinging hairs, reducing the full impact of the irritation. Symptoms may be reduced with cortisone cream, pain killers, antihistamines and lotions. In southern Australia, the spectacular caterpillar of the moth named Anthela varia is known as a Hairy Mary. Hairy Marys are big, growing to about 10 centimetres (four inches), and eat the leaves of eucalypts and other myrtle family shrubs. This beautiful Hairy Mary caterpillar was making its way across the grass at Herdsman Lake west of Perth in Western Australia.