Introduction
Have you ever seen a long procession of tiny caterpillars marching along the ground? These are processionary caterpillars, the larvae of certain species of moths. Specifically, they become Bag Shelter moths, also known as Ochrogaster Lunifer. These moths are relatively small and brown, and they often form large colonies in trees and other sheltered areas. The adult moths does not feed and have no mouth parts. They live only a few days. They find their mates, lay eggs and die.
Behaviour of Processionary Caterpillars
During the day the caterpillars shelter communally in a bag nest made of silk, excrement, shed skins, and other debris. They leave the sack at dusk to forage at night on their food tree and return at dawn.
The caterpillars feed on a variety of Australian native trees and shrubs, including the Wattles. They’re big eaters and may devour all the leaves on their tree. When this happens, they will need to move to another tree nearby. It’s when they do this that you’re likely to see them moving as a single train, of up to 200 individual caterpillars, in search of a new tree. They keep together by contacting the tail hairs of the caterpillar in front. If disturbed, they curl up defensively into a tight bunch.
.JPG)
Dangers of Processionary Caterpillars
While they may seem harmless at first glance, these little critters can cause serious problems for humans and animals that come into contact with them.
One of the main issues with processionary caterpillars is that both the larval and adult forms are covered in millions of tiny hairs. They are very sharp and very brittle and readily penetrate and break off in human skin, In addition, they contain an irritating protein that produces a highly allergic response in most people and animals. If you or your pets encounter these caterpillars, you might experience a rash, hives, or other unpleasant symptoms.
To make matters worse, the hairs shed by processionary caterpillars can also become airborne and cause respiratory problems if inhaled. So, if you’re in an area where these caterpillars are present, it’s important to be careful and avoid touching them or disturbing their nests.
Despite this, it’s worth noting that processionary caterpillars are fascinating creatures with an important role to play in their ecosystem. As they munch on leaves and twigs, they help to break down plant matter and return nutrients to the soil. And while their tiny hairs might be a problem for some animals, they also serve as a defence mechanism that helps protect the caterpillars from predators.
Conclusions
So while the caterpillar stage of these creatures can be dangerous, it’s important to appreciate their full life cycle and the important role they play in the natural world.
If you see a procession of caterpillars in your garden or a nearby park, it’s important to be cautious and avoid contact with them. But at the same time, it’s worth appreciating the important role that these little creatures play in the natural world. By staying informed and respecting their habitat, we can all coexist with processionary caterpillars and other fascinating creatures.
Bibliography
Mather, A., Zalucki, M. P., Farrell, J., Perkins, L. E., & Cook, L. G. (2019). Australian processionary caterpillars, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), comprise cryptic species. Australian Journal of Entomology, 58(4), 816-825. Retrieved 4 17, 2023, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aen.12410
Perkins, L. E., Zalucki, M. P., Perkins, N. R., Cawdell-Smith, A. J., Todhunter, K. H., Bryden, W. L., & Cribb, B. W. (2016). The urticating setae of Ochrogaster lunifer, an Australian processionary caterpillar of veterinary importance. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 30(2), 241-245. Retrieved 4 17, 2023, from https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26669823