This week we had just commenced a short stroll in the very popular São Lourenço area when I spotted nests of one of the most dangerous and destructive creatures here in the Algarve – the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa).
Fortunately the larvae (caterpillars) in this nest looked quite small and so are unlikely to be commencing their treks in search of pupation sites just yet. However they were active and so this pine tree may not have a long future ahead of it. Thaumetopoea pityocampa caterpillars can completely defoliate trees if large quantities are present
A few yards further on we discovered even more hairy larvae. However these were a different colour, and they were on the cistus rather than pines.
It took me a while to discover their scientific name – Thaumetopoea herculeana as they are typically photographed in the final larvae stages when their hairs/tufts are very yellow green rather than in these early stages of blueish grey. I think only a couple in my photographs have a hint of the yellow green.
And even once I had their scientific name I wasn’t able to find out much more than the fact they are native to the Iberian peninsular. They don’t have a common name and most of the information is on the other processionary moths. However everything I did find, does indicate that whilst like all processionary larvae they carry the irritant in their hairs, these larvae are not as toxic. Although I am not going to risk getting any closer, especially as none of the birds were tucking in!
As you can see like the pine processionary they are very destructive to their host plants (Cistus, Erodium and Helianthemum) and also like to congregate in large numbers and move in a continuous line. MrB asked me about the moth and I’m sure others are curious too, so for pictures of the moth do check out this site. I’ll be back with another nature post soon as noticed I’ve not shared many recently.
Grrrr. Caterpillars – they are not my friends. 🙁 These ones look particularly sinister.
It’s the eyes isn’t it with these!
Mmm… not so good for the host plants. Caterpillars can be sooo destructive. Glad you didn’t get too close Becky!
It’s the speed at which they strip the plants that always amazes me.
Quite. I had Sawfly on my hazel a couple of years ago and they had stripped a lot of leaves completely. Horrid things too as they develop into flies not butterflies!
Yikes!!
Don’t think I’d feel guilty about killing those larvae, whereas always somewhat indecisive over butterfly caterpillars these days.
Ugh horrid things destroying trees 🙁
I know!! And the fact they make sure very few birds can eat them to stop them 😕
nasty wriggly nests, Becky. Made me feel just slightly more amenable towards slugs. At least they don’t gather in flocks 🙂
Ugh, now that would be a horror story!
It would be!
Ugh!
Don’t think anyone likes these fellows!
Interesting info.. Thanks.. 😉
Glad you found it useful 😊
I’ve never really liked caterpillars, those look horrible 🙁
Is it the hairs or the eyes?!!!
In limburg they put the public on alert if they see these 🐛
They only seem to do that here when there are really large nests, although I noticed in Lisbon they were trying to stop them leaving the trees with large sticky bands around tree trunks.
Very early in the season isn’t it!
Very! But it’s been so warm, even the Almond Blossom is starting to come out.
These can cause major irritating disorders in some folk. I believe they are becoming more common
It wouldn’t surprise me if these larvae are as problematic as the pine processionary. It was very noticeable the birds were ignoring them.
I’ve not ‘liked’ 🙁 Of course, with the blossom early, so will everything else be!
Exactly! Be careful where you walk………