There are no indigenous caterpillars known to be associated with erucism, but the recently established gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) has venom-containing spines that cause adverse reactions in humans. Symptoms are usually characterised by a stinging sensation, followed by itching and the formation of wheals. Exposure to U. lugens should be considered by medical practitioners in the differential diagnosis of contact dermatitis in the Auckland region.