The pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) will, during late winter/early spring, be coming out of pine trees and forming conspicuous snake-like lines. At the oak processionary caterpillar testing station in Drenthe on 5 April the first oak processionary caterpillars hatched from their eggs. Caterpillar dermatitis or lepidopterism (Lepidoptera = butterflies) is a toxic-irritant, or rarely allergic, reaction triggered by the release of histamine, thaumetopoein and other kinins from the hairs of butterflies and caterpillars. What is the processionary caterpillar? Background Thaumetopoea processionea L. (order Lepidoptera), the oak processionary moth, is found in oak forests in most European countries. The oak processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a moth that affects trees in south or southwest exposition. By late spring to early summer the caterpillars become larger (20-25 mm) and are dark in colour covered with many white hairs. The caterpillars live in pine trees and go in search of a new home in January February and March. In Central Europe, the two main causes of caterpillar dermatitis are the oak and pine processionary caterpillar. The eggs hatch in spring, between March and late April. The caterpillars usually initially feed high up in oak trees, and at this stage often go unnoticed. For the first time, they hatch earlier in the north than in the south of the Netherlands. They can kill a dog and even could cause a lot of problems for children and babies. The pine processionary moth hatches around May to July and only lives for about a day. One thing worth noting if you are walking in this area with your dog is the risk of the Processionary Caterpillar. So, while children may find it fun to pick up and play with a caterpillar, they could be inviting an itchy and even painful rash . The oak processionary caterpillar is originally a southern European species but has been spreading northwards due to climate change.
These caterpillars hatch from, often large, nests up in the trees. The fight against the oak processionary has begun in many of Germany's Länder, including in Berlin and Brandenburg. The caterpillars of this moth have bristles which contain a toxin that can cause health problems. During this time it must mate and lay its eggs in the foliage of a pine tree; a single female can lay up to 300 tiny eggs and it takes around a month for them to hatch. The caterpillars are larvae of night-flying moths that lay eggs in clusters of 250 or more.
Whenever out in the countryside, especially near pine trees, keep a look out. a) Be aware of the Processionary Caterpillar – a danger to your dog. Over the last few years, our climate had become increasingly warm and dry, causing most larvae to hatch from their eggs. As Oak Processionary Moth season begins, the Forestry Commission reminds people to be aware of the pest and report sightings Public urged to report sightings of tree pest Oak Processionary … During the movement each larva lays down a silken thread.