Skip to main content
Today is World Environment Day!
Close

Cyprus processionary caterpillar

Thaumetopoeia wilkinsony

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

32.5352, 35.354

Field Notes

Description:

A mediterranian species of processionary moths, feeding mostly on various species of pines. Besides being an important pest of pine woods, the caterpillars pose a health risk to humans, as the caterpillars' hairs contain a potent allergogenic toxin and cause a severe allergic reaction upon contact. The caterpillars tend to aggregate and move in large numbers, hence the name "processionary".

Habitat:

Cultivated pine forest

Notes:

This picture shows a nest having contained an aggregation of caterpillars and one caterpillar of a rather late instar on top of it. The infestation takes place in Gilboa pine forest.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)
LaurenZarate
Very nice! We have a similar species here in our forests and in the garden. After the moths have emerged the "nest" things fall to the ground.
Caleb Steindel
wow margarita, even though it is far away, it's still spectacular try cropping it for an even better effect

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 17, 2012

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies