Apheloria virginiensis

[mantisfan101]

I went out and found a bunch of these and picked up a few with gloves on, then remembered that they secrete cyanide and left all of them there. I came home, rinsed my hands, took a shower, and accidentally rubbed my eyes and nose with my hands. I’m freaking out, will their cyanide toxin kill me? I am highly doubting it since it’s been a good few hours since I touched my eyes and nose but I’m still freaking out

 

[Arthroverts]

You washed your hands, took a shower, and on top of that you were wearing gloves; I highly doubt any cyanide remaining would be in sufficient concentrations to harm you.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[pannaking22]

Mild irritation at most given all you've done, otherwise I'd say you're totally fine.

 

[davehuth]

The way Apheloria sp. use their defenses is mostly through the release of chemicals that produce Hydrogen Cyanide gas. So it's sniffing them too much that's more of a concern. Washing your hands is good practice. I'm not a medical expert, though I've never encountered a reason to panic.

 

[Smotzer]

@mantisfan101 were you able to culture the specimens you collected?