The caterpillars are larvae of night-flying moths that lay eggs in clusters of 250 or more. Due to trade in live plants, oak processionary moth has become established as far north as the Netherlands and northern Germany. They have been spotted all over Greater London, and gardeners have been reporting allergic reactions after touching them.. Pine caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff, is a phyto- and xylophagous lepidopteran, responsible for the delay in the growth or the death of various types of pines. Advice for oak tree owners Preventing the spread of oak processionary moth … The caterpillars (larvae) develop tiny, irritating hairs … The media warns that in its caterpillar stage, the oak processionary moth is covered in tiny hairs that can cause severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Details of the search strategy used were not included. The oak processionary moth not only strips oak trees of their leaves, leaving them vulnerable, but also poses a health risk to humans causing rashes and breathing difficulties. Residents out and about enjoying borough parks and open spaces this summer are reminded to be on the lookout for the Oak Processionary Moth – a pest that can pose serious health risks for those who come into contact. If you have an itching skin rash and/or conjunctivitis or other symptoms, contact your GP, or call NHS Direct on 111. It was first identified at a private development in the borough in 2006 and is now established in south and south west London. Until recently, the moth was found only in mainland Europe, but in 2006 it was discovered on oak trees in Ealing and Richmond, in London. The caterpillars causing alarm are oak processionary moths (OPM), Thaumetopoea processionea. Oak processionary moth (OPM) The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a pest that was introduced into the UK upon imported oak trees. Oak processionary moth is a moth native to southern Europe that has become established in parts of London and its surrounds.
Moths and butterflies, and their larvae, caterpillars, belong to the order Lepidoptera. Author: Marie Hartley, Staff Writer, 2010.
Hairy caterpillars (Oak processionary moth) Posted on March 15, 2017 May 12, 2017 by Editor.
People can use the Forestry Commission’s online reporting system ‘Tree Alert’ here to identify and report the Oak Processionary Moth. The risk exists mainly between the middle of May and June when the larvae develop the stinging hairs after their second moulting, as well as from July to September with further spread of the stinging hairs from empty nests. In addition, the caterpillars are known to cause health concerns in humans, where their bristles act as an irritant which can trigger asthma, rashes, conjunctivitis, and, in extreme cases, even anaphylactic shock. Besides nature damage, pine caterpillar causes dermatological reactions in humans by contact with its irritating larvae hairs. Infestations of oak processionary moth caterpillars have only been an annual problem in the northern half of the continent in recent years. close Oak processionary moths have characteristic delicate and fluffy nests in oak trees. Skin problems due to caterpillars and moths. Background. processionary moth Detailed description of range of health effects associated with different species as well as advice about treatment.
Health effects associated with exposure to oak processionary moth larvae: a systematic review, summary of findings Ref: PHE publications gateway number: 2014650 PDF , 569KB , 53 pages If you find them, or spot one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or to your local council. Caterpillar nest of Oak Processionary moth ( Alamy Stock Photo ) A plague of toxic caterpillars which cause painful rashes and can threaten the lives of … It lives on oak trees and poses a risk to human and animal health. Pine caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff, is a phyto- and xylophagous lepidopteran, responsible for the delay in the growth or the death of various types of pines. Diaz, 2005. A related species the oak processionary moth has become established in parts of London and areas of surrounding counties. Although the dermatitis occurs among outdoor professionals, it is primarily extraprofessional. Caterpillar nest of Oak Processionary moth ( Alamy Stock Photo ) A plague of toxic caterpillars which cause painful rashes and can threaten the … Oak processionary caterpillars, which metamorphosize into a species of moth, are regarded as pests due to the damage they can inflict on oak trees by feeding on their leaves. Although the dermatitis occurs among outdoor professionals, it is primarily extraprofessional. Image copyright Other Image caption The caterpillar of the oak processionary moth has about 62,000 toxic hairs As a caterpillar, each OPM has about 62,000 hairs, which they can eject. These caterpillars walk up and down trees in nose-to-tail processions. Health risk . The larva of oak processionary moths have been spotted across the south-east of England.
It lives on oak trees and poses a risk to human and animal health.