VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Several people flagged down Volusia County Beach Safety officers Tuesday to warn them about large amounts of “fiberglass” that had washed up on the beach.
In response, the organization released information to calm any fears beachgoers may have: The tiny, clear strands are actually mollusks called the sea butterfly.
Common to the warm Caribbean waters, the creatures were brought to the area by currents caused by Tropical Storm Emily.
“They are harmless and non-toxic, though very sharp and will stick into skin much like a splinter,” VCBS said in a statement. “Several impacts will cause reddish bumps, but this is a result of small punctures and not an allergic reaction, as the sea butterflies’ shape are their only defense mechanism.”
The creatures propel themselves with their tongue, which resembles a fluttering butterfly.
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