Oak Processionary
FamilyThaumetopoeidae
Scientific NameThaumetopoea processionea
RangeEurope, introduced: Britain
HabitatOak woodlands, parks
About the Oak Processionary
A moth named for its caterpillars, which travel nose to tail in long processions between their nests and feeding sites on oak trees. The caterpillars carry many thousands of tiny irritating hairs that can cause rashes, eye irritation, and breathing problems in people and pets. It was accidentally introduced to London on imported trees in the mid-2000s.