Processionary Pine Caterpillar

Description:

These are extremely dangerous to humans and pets as their hairs are extremely poisonous and can be fatal to children and dogs. This one had fallen from the tree into a culvert and drowned. When I find my pictures from previous years I will post them.

Habitat:

Breed in woven silk nests in pine trees which they can kill by eating all the needles. When grown to about an inch in length (2.5 cms) they form long strings of 50 or more connected nose to tail and head of in search of soft ground where they can bury themselves to pupate. If disturbed they will fire off their poisonous hairs. I have seen a Hoopoe probing a nest for over an hour one day, I will post the picture on this site under birds.