Pine Processionary is known for the irritating hairs of its caterpillars, their processions, and the economic damage they cause in coniferous forests.
The caterpillars feed on the needles of pine trees and some other conifer tree species, and in large numbers they can severely defoliate trees.
Depending on weather conditions, the caterpillars usually climb down onto the ground between January and April.
Pine Processionary gets its name from the caterpillar’s distinctive habit of moving through the woods in nose-to-tail columns, protected from predators.
The caterpillars also have thousands of tiny hairs which contain an urticating, or irritating, protein called thaumetopoein, giving rise to its scientific name.
If these hairs come into contact with people and animals, they can cause painful skin, eye and throat irritations and rashes and, in rare cases, allergic reactions.
Негізгі бет Pine Processionary - Health Hazard in Small Size
Пікірлер