One quiet Saturday morning, I was cleaning my car when I reached under the back seat and felt something strange—dry, rigid, and covered in tiny prickly hairs. Curious, I pulled it out, placed it in a bag, and brought it inside. A quick online search left me stunned: it was the shed skin of a Lonomia caterpillar, one of the most venomous in the world. Though native to South America, these caterpillars can occasionally appear in other regions through accidental transport.

Even their shed skins can pose risks, as tiny spines may break off and irritate skin or even become airborne. Realizing the potential danger, I immediately contacted pest control. They confirmed the identification, carefully removed the skin, and inspected my car thoroughly to ensure there were no live caterpillars hiding in vents, upholstery, or flooring. Thankfully, my car was clear.

As I stood in my driveway afterward, I felt both relieved and unsettled. My car had always felt like a sealed, safe space—but clearly, hazards can find their way in without notice. The thought of driving around with something so dangerous inches away from me was chilling.

Since that day, I’ve been far more cautious. I keep gloves in my car, avoid touching unknown objects with bare hands, and treat every unusual find seriously. That odd little discovery under my seat was a stark reminder that sometimes, danger arrives quietly and hides in plain sight.