<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Binomial name </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) </Td> </Tr> <P> The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a moth of the family Thaumetopoeidae . Sometimes placed in the genus Traumatocampa, it is one of the most destructive species to pines and cedars in Central Asia, North Africa and the countries of southern Europe . The urticating hairs of the caterpillar larvae cause harmful reactions in humans and other mammals . The species is notable for the behaviour of its caterpillars, which overwinter in tent - like nests high in pine trees, and which proceed through the woods in nose - to - tail columns, protected by their severely irritating hairs, as described by the French entomologist Jean - Henri Fabre . </P> <P> Though most pine processionary moths only live one year, some in high altitudes or more northern areas may survive for over two years . The adult moths lay their eggs near the tops of pine trees . After hatching, the larva eat pine needles while progressing through five stages of development . In order to maintain beneficial living conditions, silken nests are built over the winter . Around the beginning of April, the caterpillars leave the nests in the procession for which the species is known . They burrow underground and emerge at the end of summer . High numbers of adults are produced in years with a warm spring . </P>

Caterpillars that follow each other in a line