Lonomia obliqua is an insect that has urticant spines in the larval stage. This species may cause death as a result of haemorrhages caused by a toxin released from the caterpillar's spines onto the skin of the victim. Since 1989 when this species was identified in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, many accidents have happened. The aim of this study was to verify the oviposition, fecundity, fertility, viability of eggs and incubation period of the species. Adults were left in a moth's cage to mate and lay eggs. Thirteen couples were observed daily, and the number of eggs and the caterpillars emerged were recorded. The results showed a mean of 2.8 (± 1.3) ovipositions, a mean fecundity of 135.3 (± 54.4) eggs/female, a mean fertility of 111.9 (± 55.4) eggs/female, a mean egg viability of 80.9 (± 20.97) % and a mean incubation period of 31.8 (± 5.8) days.
Lonomia obliqua; urticant caterpillar; public health; fecundity; fertility
