"Don't Touch Just Because It's Pretty"... Warning Issued for Green Beetle at Park

Collapsed from Breathing Difficulties After Touching a 'Six-spotted Tiger Beetle'

Caution Urged When Handling Insects During Outdoor Activities

An incident occurred at a U.S. state park where a visitor collapsed from a severe allergic reaction immediately after touching an insect. Experts warn that even insects that are not highly toxic can pose life-threatening risks depending on an individual's immune response, underscoring the need for caution during outdoor activities.

Longhorn Beetle with Six Spots. Wikipedia Capture

According to the New York Post and other sources on May 13 (local time), Antoinette Webb, 44, visited Fort Knox State Park in Maine and discovered a shiny green beetle.

"I felt a burning pain all over my body in just a few seconds"

Webb said, "It was the most beautiful green bug I had ever seen. I just picked it up and said, 'Wow, you are really pretty,' but within seconds, I felt as if my entire body was burning." After that, Webb experienced difficulty breathing, dizziness, lost consciousness, and collapsed.

The park manager on site immediately provided emergency aid, which saved Webb's life. He explained, "Webb was having difficulty breathing due to constriction of the airway, and her lips turned blue—classic signs of a severe allergic reaction."

It was reported that Webb remained in critical condition even after being transported to the hospital, only narrowly surviving after receiving four injections.

The insect was a 'Six-spotted tiger beetle'

Six-spotted Longhorn Beetle. Screenshot from Naver's 'Longhorn Beetle Ecology Guide'

Upon investigation, the insect that put Webb in danger was identified as a Six-spotted tiger beetle. While it is not a highly toxic species, it can trigger hypersensitive immune responses in certain individuals.

The symptoms Webb experienced are characteristic of a severe allergic reaction known as 'anaphylaxis.' Following exposure to a specific substance, symptoms can spread throughout the body within minutes, and airway constriction in particular can pose a direct threat to life due to breathing difficulties.

Experts emphasize that if you experience abnormal reactions such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the lips after being stung or touching an insect, you should seek emergency medical attention without delay.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.