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Oak Processionary

Thaumetopoea processionea

Classification

Class
Insecta

The oak processionary (OPM) (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 (specifically urticating hairs), which can cause skin irritation and asthma.

Distribution

Martien van den Heuvel · CC BY
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Countries in the Picchu catalog
Netherlands · 8,178Germany · 2,365United Kingdom · 328France · 193Switzerland · 168Luxembourg · 88Belgium · 30Spain · 27Italy · 7