Oak Processionary - Thaumetopoea processionea

Wingspan 25 to 35 mm. It can be distinguished from related species by the pale basal area of the forewing.

In view of the rarity of this moth in our area, please provide a photograph and liaise with the County Recorder prior to record submission.

It is a pest species, in Europe feeding in large numbers on oak (Quercus), causing severe defoliation of oak and creating a health hazard. Minute, severely urticating hairs on the dorsum of the larger larvae, can cause persistent or severe (occasionally life-threatening) symptoms, and are readily dispersed on local air currents.

A central and southern European species, adult males of this moth occasionally appear as vagrants, usually from late July to mid-September, and most frequently on the south coast.

Both the English and scientific names refer to the behaviour of the larvae, whose habit of forming a long nose-to-tail procession is quite peculiar.

Since 2006, adventive populations have been discovered in west London (now considered to be established in several boroughs) and in a small area of Berkshire. It is also considered to be resident in the Channel Islands. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Vagrant/Accidental.

Very rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.