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Pine Processionary-moth

Thaumetopoea pityocampa

The Pine Processionary-moth is a fuzzy little insect that loves to munch on pine trees. It has a unique way of moving in long lines with its friends, which looks like a parade!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Pine Processionary-moth is a small, stout moth, typically greyish-brown with subtle darker wavy lines on its forewings. Its hindwings are plain white. The body is covered in soft, dense hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNotodontidaeGenusThaumetopoea
Pine Processionary-moth
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Pine Processionary-moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Caterpillars spend up to 9 months eating pine needles before changing!

Female moths lay hundreds of eggs that are perfectly camouflaged on pine needles!

Their tiny hairs can cause itchy rashes and breathing trouble!

They build giant silk nests, sometimes as big as a football!

Special abilities

Ability

Venomous Bristles

Pine Processionary-moth caterpillars have thousands of urticating bristles that inject irritants, protecting them from predators.

Ability

Synchronized March

Pine Processionary-moth caterpillars move in long lines using silk trails, which helps them find food and defend.

Ability

Silk Fortress

Pine Processionary-moth caterpillars construct large silk nests in pine trees, providing shelter and protection.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-45 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
5-15 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on pine needles, while adult moths don't eat at all!

Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on conifer needles; adults do not feed.

Primary Foods

  • Pine needles
  • Cedar needles
  • Fir needles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Maritime pine

Pinus pinaster

Caterpillars defoliate these trees, causing significant damage.

hunts

Common Cuckoo

Cuculus canorus

One of the few birds that can eat the hairy caterpillars safely.

parasitizes

Pine Processionary egg parasitoid

Ooencyrtus pityocampae

Tiny wasps lay eggs inside the moth's eggs, controlling populations.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Don't touch the caterpillars, as they can make your skin itchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pine Processionary-moth's wingspan?

30-45 mm

How big is Pine Processionary-moth?

30-40 mm

How long does Pine Processionary-moth live?

5-15 days

What does Pine Processionary-moth eat?

Caterpillars munch on pine needles, while adult moths don't eat at all!

Where is Pine Processionary-moth usually found?

Forests

How does Pine Processionary-moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Pine Processionary-moth have?

6

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