A speckled bear moth, a poisonous butterfly, has been found in an apartment building in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The butterfly, characterized by its white wings with black spots and fluffy body, poses a risk of conjunctivitis if touched.

Alexey Gilev, Doctor of Biological Sciences of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, identified the insect and warned against handling it. The butterfly’s hemolymph and hairs are poisonous and irritating.

Exposure to the butterfly’s hairs, especially if they enter the eyes, can lead to conjunctivitis. Authorities recommend gently releasing the butterfly without direct contact.

If accidental contact occurs, washing hands with soap and avoiding touching the eyes is crucial. The speckled bear moth typically measures between 15 to 23 millimeters in length, with a wingspan of 34 to 48 millimeters.

The species usually has a yellow abdomen, while the caterpillars are dark brown with light stripes. Yekaterinburg is also experiencing a surge in mosquito populations due to fluctuating weather patterns.