Processionary
Caterpillars
~ A Timely Reminder
Most people who live in this part of the world will be aware of these very dangerous creatures,
but we feel it would be useful to remind everyone that we are now in the season when they could
cause problems.
You can come across Processionary Caterpillars any time between January and mid - April.
Formerly more common in Mediterranean Spain they are now spreading inland and further north.
The insect spends the warm summer months buried in the ground as a pupa, emerging as a moth
around August when they mate and seek out a tree to lay their eggs on, fixing them as egg masses
to pine needles. Four or five weeks later, the caterpillars emerge and immediately begin destroying
the tree they are in.
At first they construct flimsy shelters made from a silk like material which stays hidden in the trees,
but towards January, they begin to make a larger nest which can easily be seen from the ground.
No entrances or exits are made, the creatures simply pushing
through the walls. During the night, they leave the nest to feed
on the host tree, returning to the nest at dawn. During the day
they “rest” and use the heat of the sun to help them digest the
food they have eaten in the night. Even sub zero temperatures
don’t stop them travelling to their food although they do travel
more slowly.
Usually by March they are ready to leave the nest and travel in
long lines seeking out pupation sites in suitable soil, following a
pheromone trail laid by the lead caterpillar. They are even able
to distinguish between crossing trails and continue to follow the
correct one. As many as 300 caterpillars can form a single trail
in this fashion.
The danger from these creatures comes from their “fur” which
is a layer of poisonous, harpoon - like spines that remain
dangerous even after the creature has died. The hairs can also
become detached from the caterpillar and will float in the air
making for a very unpleasant experience - even the risk of inhalation which can be very dangerous.
Should one drop on you or your pet do not try to brush it off with bare hands as contact with the
skin will bring considerable irritation and even an allergic reaction to the hairs causing anaphylactic
shock similar to that which can by experienced by some people to bee and wasp stings. If hairs get
into your eyes you can suffer from soreness, swelling and even a temporary loss of vision.
Carrying antihistamine tablets is a good idea should
you travel in areas likely to be affected such as where
there are pine trees.
It’s better to avoid exercising your pet in areas with
pine trees during this time, and always seek immediate
professional medical or veterinary advice should you or
your pet have a rash or ingest hairs after coming into
contact with these creatures.
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