Caterpillar nest (Photo: Anita Stearman)
By Anita Stearman, PWI Reporter Spain
Warnings have gone out as its going to be a particularly bad year for these beasts who are very harmful towards pets and humans. 3 years ago my dog lost part of her tounge from accidently picking one up in her mouth. If she had swallowed it, she would have died!
These caterpillars live in nests resembling off-white handkerchiefs hanging from branches of pine trees. At this time of the year they leave their nests in search of food and can travel more than one kilometre in their characteristic ‘processions’ with one caterpillar following nose to tail behind the next.
Warnings have gone out as its going to be a particularly bad year for these beasts who are very harmful towards pets and humans. 3 years ago my dog lost part of her tounge from accidently picking one up in her mouth. If she had swallowed it, she would have died!
These caterpillars live in nests resembling off-white handkerchiefs hanging from branches of pine trees. At this time of the year they leave their nests in search of food and can travel more than one kilometre in their characteristic ‘processions’ with one caterpillar following nose to tail behind the next.
Caterpillar procession (Photo: Anita Stearman)
They crawl in lines sometimes several metres in length across the earth. The long hairs covering the caterpillar’s body causes excruciating pain if they come into contact with the skin.
These beasts burrow underground and emerge as moths later in the year.
Immediately seek medical or veterinary attention if you or your pets come into contact with these caterpillars.
-- by Anita Stearman - PWI Reporter Spain - spain@peoplewebinternational.com
These beasts burrow underground and emerge as moths later in the year.
Immediately seek medical or veterinary attention if you or your pets come into contact with these caterpillars.
-- by Anita Stearman - PWI Reporter Spain - spain@peoplewebinternational.com
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