Archived on 6/5/2022

Please report sightings of Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars

anon3821395

22 May '19

Via @CPNeighbours

Public urged to report Oak Processionary Moth caterpillar sightings

People in London and the South East of England urged to report sightings of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars.

en.m.wikipedia.org

Oak processionary

The oak processionary (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a moth whose caterpillars can be found in oak forests, where they feed on oak leaves, causing significant damage. They travel in nose-to-tail processions (hence their name), often arrow-headed, with a leader followed by rows of several caterpillars abreast. They are a human irritant because of their venomous setae (hairs), which can cause skin irritation and asthma. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of

SabrinaF

22 May '19

anon3821395:

can cause skin irritation and asthma

Oh my god, that’s serious.