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PINE PROCESSIONARY.
The pine
procesionary is a common
pest in South and Central Europe areas, attacking the pine, fir trees and
cedars forests. In Spain it can be located on the peninsula and the
Balearic Islands. The damage that produce is trees defoliation, weakening and facilitating the attack
of other enemies. Besides, the caterpillars' hair produce nettlerash, skin and
mucus irritation.
When adult, the procesionary looks like a
large moth
It has four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult.
Butterflies have a three days life when they only mate during summertime;
they lay their eggs in the treetops and in
September and October caterpillars are born, 30 or 40 days later. The pine processionary
caterpillars build their nests in the trees where
they spend the winter. From February on, they come down in line to the ground,
hence the name of pine processionary, where they bury themselves
forming the chrysalid. When summer comes from the chrysalis emerges an
adult butterfly that reproduces, begining once again their cycle.
Pine processionary bags: the most
characteristic way of identifying the pest.
There are several ways of identifying a pine processionary
infestation: the caterpillars lines that can be observed, very typical nests or pockets
during the
winter at the top of pinetree, tufts of acículas (dead leaves) from
the trees - which occurs because the caterpillars in the nest gnaw the leaves. The damage:
the tree branches dry and fall. On the other hand, the itchy hairs of the
caterpillars come off and float into the air and when they come in
contact with humans and domestic animals they cause ears, nose
and throat irritation, as well as allergic reactions. We must ensure that children
and puppies do not touch or lick the caterpillars lines when the
last ones are moving, or the nests on the ground.
 The
existence of dried branches in the trees is a consequence of processionary
caterpillars
If you want to read our other articles about pine processionary, moths
and butterflies traps as well as some curiosities on these insects,
click below.
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