Having first being identified back in 2006 in Richmond (who have, incidentally, spent £200,000 plus trying to eradicate them). Oak processionary moth is a moth native to southern Europe that has become established in parts of London and its surrounds. The larvae cause severe defoliation, reducing the viability of oak trees. When the first leaves start to grow, the caterpillars march in long lines (procession, hence the name) to the top of the tree in a search for food. The caterpillars are covered in small hairs which can cause health risks in humans. To minimise health risks: Do not touch or approach oak processionary moth caterpillars or their nests. These caterpillars should not be … Whilst it can defoliate oak trees the primary concern is the caterpillars hairs, these can cause irritation if in contact with human skin. The oak processionary caterpillar is the larval stage of the oak processionary moth, a small moth. They have now managed to establish themselves successfully in several parts of London. The oak processionary moth is a species of moth with caterpillars that nest on oak trees.
Unfortunately, the oak processionary moth also has very little in the way of any natural predators in Great Britain. In spring, these egg-packages hatch. The common and scientific names of T. processionea refer to the behaviour of the larvae to form long processions. This is particularly true for generalist predators, such as birds, ants and beetles, and generalist pathogens such as entomopathogenic fungi. This moth lays its eggs on a specific host plant: the oak tree. T. processionea, commonly known as the oak processionary moth, is a major pest in many European countries and threatens the health of oak trees. Unfortunately, little specific information is available for other processionary moths, including OPM, although natural enemies are partially shared across species [ 37 ]. Oak processionary moth This project aims to compare the behaviour of oak processionary moth populations in open and woodland habitats, to predict when and where damaging infestations are most likely to occur, and to identify which factors (microclimate, natural enemies or host phenology) are most important in determining the moth’s abundance.