A timely reminder about processional caterpillars.
There are very few dangerous pests in the countryside in Europe but at this time of year (December, January, February and March) in southern France and in Spain these critters develop and move around in their characteristic single file processions. A clue to their presence will be the candy floss like nests in pine trees.
A young caterpillar ready to leave its nest
Under no circumstances should their nests or processional marches be disturbed!
Daytime marching to find food
These caterpillars have brittle highly toxic spines which break on contact and will promote severe allergic reactions if touched or ingested - Don't let your dog go sniffing around them!
Poisonous spines
They can also be very dangerous to humans, especially those with allergy or respiratory conditions. Processionary caterpillars are well documented on the internet (An excellent explanation of their lifestyle) but it does no harm to spread the word and awareness of them.
An old nest
Please pass the word around and let others know about them through other relevant forums etc. If it helps you can link to this thread by copying and pasting the following link into your postings - http://www.clubmotorhome.co.uk/forum/9-pets/338-processionary-caterpillars-are-dangerous-to-pets-beware.html#338
There are very few dangerous pests in the countryside in Europe but at this time of year (December, January, February and March) in southern France and in Spain these critters develop and move around in their characteristic single file processions. A clue to their presence will be the candy floss like nests in pine trees.
A young caterpillar ready to leave its nest
Under no circumstances should their nests or processional marches be disturbed!
Daytime marching to find food
These caterpillars have brittle highly toxic spines which break on contact and will promote severe allergic reactions if touched or ingested - Don't let your dog go sniffing around them!
Poisonous spines
They can also be very dangerous to humans, especially those with allergy or respiratory conditions. Processionary caterpillars are well documented on the internet (An excellent explanation of their lifestyle) but it does no harm to spread the word and awareness of them.
An old nest
Please pass the word around and let others know about them through other relevant forums etc. If it helps you can link to this thread by copying and pasting the following link into your postings - http://www.clubmotorhome.co.uk/forum/9-pets/338-processionary-caterpillars-are-dangerous-to-pets-beware.html#338
If it ain't broke..... Don't fix it!
This is the time of year to bring this topic back to the top in order to raise awareness of these little critters!
Last year I took a short video:
[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]19P8735UAa0[/video]
They are not something to panic about but they need to be left well alone :thumbs:
Last year I took a short video:
[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]19P8735UAa0[/video]
They are not something to panic about but they need to be left well alone :thumbs:
If it ain't broke..... Don't fix it!
- Page :
- 1
There are no replies made for this post yet.
(share) button at the bottom of your screen,
( Add to Home screen ).
