Abstract

ERUCISM IN FEMALE ADULT BOXER CAUSED BY Cocytius antaeus Drury, 1773 (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae): A CASE IN MEXICO CITY

Héctor Gabriel Ramos Rodríguez and José D. Méndez*

Abstract

In this article we present the case of an adult Bóxer bitch that developed ulcerative glosso-palatitis due to exposure to caterpillar of Cocytius antaeus. The insect was recovered. Accidents with caterpillars were described since 1658 in Brazil. In 95% of cases, insects are destroyed or discarded, which makes it impossible to know the epidemiology of lepidopterism and erucism. Cases are known by Malacosoma in sows and mares in which reproduction is affected, causing abortions. In dogs and cats, Thaumetopoea pityocampa can cause ulcerative glossitis and even death. Since this kind of accidents can occur not only in animals but also in humans, particularly in children, we decided to alert on the clinical and medical relevance of Cocytius antaeus and related species.

Keywords: Lepidopterism, Erucism, Cocytius antaeus, caterpillar poisoning, ulcerative glossitis.