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Review
. 2012 May;19(2):117-28.
doi: 10.1051/parasite/2012192117.

The moth Hylesia metabus and French Guiana lepidopterism: centenary of a public health concern

F Jourdain  1 , R Girod, J M Vassal, F Chandre, C Lagneau, F Fouque, D Guiral, J Raude, V Robert
Affiliations
Review

The moth Hylesia metabus and French Guiana lepidopterism: centenary of a public health concern

F Jourdain et al. Parasite. 2012 May.

Abstract
in English, French

The females of the moths Hylesia metabus have their abdomens covered by urticating hairs looking like micro-arrows and causing a puriginous dermatitis to humans known as "papillonite" in French Guiana and also called yellowtail moth dermatitis or Caripito itch. The densities of the moths show great seasonal and annual variations depending on mechanisms mostly unknown. When H. metabus infestations occur, numerous cases of dermatologic manifestations are reported from people living near the mangrove swamps where the moths are developing. One hundred years after the first "papillonite" epidemic reported from French Guiana in 1912, the data presented herein summarize the actual state of knowledge on H. metabus biology and ecology and on the lepidopterism. Some recommendations are proposed for the surveillance and warning systems of H. metabus infestations and to avoid contact with the moths. Research priorities are suggested to improve the control against this problem emerging between nuisance and public health.

L’abdomen des femelles du papillon de nuit Hylesia metabus est recouvert de micro-fléchettes venimeuses qui déclenchent chez l’homme une dermatite urticarienne prurigineuse, dénommée “papillonite” en Guyane. Les densités de population de cette espèce sont extrêmement variables, sous la dépendance de mécanismes qui restent mal connus. Lors des pullulations, de nombreux cas de dermatites sont observés au sein des populations humaines vivant à proximité de la mangrove où se développent les chenilles et d’où émergent les papillons. Cet article dresse un état des connaissances, un siècle après la première épidémie de papillonite connue, observée en Guyane en 1912. La biologie et l’écologie du papillon sont présentées, ainsi que les aspects dermatologiques. La surveillance et l’alerte concernant les pullulations font l’objet de recommandations. Enfin, des pistes de recherche sont avancées pour améliorer les stratégies et méthodes de lutte utilisables contre ce papillon.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
A. Egg-nest of Hylesia metabus covered by setae; B. Neewly hatched larvae of Hylesia metabus; C. Fourth and fifth instar larvae of Hylesia metabus; D. Adult female of Hylesia metabus adopting a defensive posture.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Graphical representation of the mangrove of Guatemala in French Guiana (Vassal, 1989). 1: Ocean; 2: Mud bank in sedimentation; 3: Young mangrove; 4: Sand zone from an old barrier beach; 5: Aged mangrove breeding site of Hylesia metabus; 6: Old barrier beach; 7: Cultivated area; 8: Road.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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