The oak processionary moth not only strips oak trees of their leaves, leaving them vulnerable, but also poses a health risk to humans causing rashes and breathing difficulties.
Common name: oak processionary moth
Scientific name: Thaumetopoea processionea
What does it affect?: oak species (species in the genus Quercus)
Areas affected so far: South East England including Greater London, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Essex and Berkshire.
Origin: Central Europe
The oak processionary moth feeds and lives almost exclusively on oak trees.
Symptoms include:
The oak processionary moth is a species of moth with caterpillars that nest on oak trees. The caterpillars are covered in small hairs which can cause health risks in humans.
To minimise health risks:
Credit: Blickwinkel / Alamy Stock Photo
There is one generation of oak processionary moth per year. The caterpillars hatch in spring and go through several instars, eventually developing the irritating hairs. The caterpillars descend lower down the tree as they develop, stripping the tree of its leaves as they go, leaving it vulnerable and weakened.
In summer, they retreat into nests and pupate. The adult moths emerge in late summer, living for only four days in order to mate. The female lays her fertilised eggs high in the tree canopy and the cycle begins again.
The oak processionary moth was originally found in London but the range is expanding each year into the surrounding regions of Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, and Berkshire. It is estimated to be expanding at a rate of 6km a year despite statutory control efforts. Climate change may increase this rate.
Credit: D Mark / Alamy Stock Photo
The oak processionary moth was first found in London in 2006 and has been spreading ever since.
It was accidentally imported to the UK in egg form in the canopy of trees for planting.
To combat the spread and introduction of pests and diseases like the oak processionary moth we have:
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