Oak processionary caterpillar nest. Caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) in a nest on a tree. These caterpillars are
Oak processionary caterpillar nest. Caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) in a nest on a tree. These caterpillars are a pest of oak forests and also pose a health hazard to humans. The hairs (setae) are poisonous and can cause skin irritation (caterpillar dermatitis) and respiratory problems, including asthma. Even if the larvae are not handled, the setae can break off, becoming airborne. In 2007 the problem became so bad in Limburg, Belgium, that soldiers were deployed to burn the nests, see images: C001/8555 and C001/8556. Photographed in Genk, Limburg, Belgium, in June 2007.
Size: 3425px × 5138px
Photo credit: © CHRISTOPHE VANDER EECKEN/REPORTERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 04/06/2007, 2007, 21st, 4, 4th, animal, belgian, belgium, biological, biology, caterpillar, caterpillars, century, close-, control, dermatitis, detail, disease, entomology, europe, european, fauna, genk, hair, hairs, hairy, hazard, hazardous, health, immature, irritant, irritation, june, larva, larvae, larval, medical, medicine, moth, nature, nest, oak, pest, plant, poisonous, processionary, processionea, seta, setae, skin, summer, thaumetopoea, tree, wild, wildlife, young, zoological, zoology
