Oak Processionary
Common NameOak Processionary
Scientific NameThaumetopoea processionea
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyThaumetopoeinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatOak woodlands, parks, gardens, and other areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, Middle East; invasive in parts of Northern Europe
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious, feeding on oak leaves and moving in nose-to-tail 'processions'. They possess thousands of tiny, irritating hairs that can cause health issues in humans and animals.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive greyish-brown forewings with three dark, wavy transverse lines. Males have strongly bipectinate (feathery) antennae. The caterpillars are highly recognizable by their communal feeding and processionary behavior.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled greyish-brown forewings featuring three distinct dark, wavy transverse lines. Its body is stout and hairy, with feathery antennae.
