Oak processionary

The oak processionary moth, known in Latin as Thaumetopoea processionea, is a nocturnal butterfly. As the name suggests, the oak procession spinner lives almost exclusively in all genera of the oak. He prefers warm and dry regions. In particular, one finds the Eichenprozessionsspinner on forest edges, in sparse oak forests, avenues and single trees. The otherwise inconspicuous moth attracts attention through regular mass multiplication in particularly dry years. Then it also attacks younger trees and can cause significant damage. The oak processionary moth is about 25 to 32 millimeters in size. The female lays up to 300 eggs on the one- to three-year old, preferably on the south side, shoots of an oak in the upper area. In the first half of April the hairy caterpillars hatch.

From the third larval stage, the nettle poison thaumetopein develops in the barbs of the caterpillar. The up to four centimeters large caterpillar is then dangerous for humans. The nettle poison can cause reactions that are sometimes life threatening. Skin contact often causes an itchy rash. Common symptoms include fever or dizziness. If the hairs are inhaled, severe respiratory irritation and inflammatory reactions in the lungs are threatened. Eye contact may cause local inflammation. In the worst case, the poison triggers an allergic shock. (Vb)

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(Photo 1: conserver / fotolia.com)