AllTop Viral!

There’s a rare caterpillar in the Amazon rain forest (formerly known as the Flannel Moth caterpillar) who struck it big in the name department thanks to the legendary ‘do of one Donald Trump or perhaps his prickly personality, depending on your perspective.

The caterpillar’s “hair” actually consists of setae, which are long, fine silky appendages that, in this case, can cause serious skin irritations. If an unlucky person tries to grab one, they will get a handful of venom, released when the setae poke into skin. Like a bee sting, the injuries can be painful but, for most, are not life threatening.

Photographer Jeff Cramer and conservation biologist Phil Torres stumbled upon the fuzzy little creature while leading a wildlife tour, and after posting a pic of their find on social media, their fans took care of the re-naming process.

“We put the picture on our Twitter and Facebook page and immediately people started comparing it to Donald Trump.”

He continued, “When we show people the image some don’t even know what it is, some think it’s a mammal others a bird or some have said a plant.”

“…[T]o us and most of the people who’ve seen it, it’s Donald Trump’s toupee — left on a leaf in the Amazon.”

Don’t be surprised if the real estate mogul starts some major development projects in the Amazon.

Full story at The Daily Mail via io9.

Wonders of nature (and hair).