pine processionary caterpillar

Description:

The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a moth of the family Thaumetopoeidae

Habitat:

Central Asia, North Africa and the countries of southern Europe.

Notes:

The pine processionary is one of the most destructive species to pines and cedars in Central Asia, North Africa and the countries of southern Europe. The urticating hairs of the caterpillar larvae cause harmful reactions in humans and other mammals. The species is notable for the behaviour of its caterpillars, which overwinter in tent-like nests high in pine trees, and which process through the woods in nose-to-tail columns, protected by their severely irritating hairs. (Wikipedia)