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![The oak processionary (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a moth whose caterpillars can be found in oak forests, where they feed on oak leaves, causing significant damage. They travel in nose-to-tail processions (hence their name), often arrow-headed, with a leader followed by rows of several caterpillars abreast.[1] They are a human irritant because of their venomous setae (hairs), which can cause skin irritation and asthma. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.\nDescription:\nThe wingspan of adult stage moths is between 25 and 35 millimeters. Their pattern of tan, brown and white makes the adults difficult to see against oak bark. Adults fly during July and August. The larvae construct communal nests of white silk from which they crawl at night in single file, head to tail in large processions to feed on foliage in the crowns of trees, returning in the same manner. \nOak is its preferred food source, but the moth also eats the leaves of hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut, birch and beech.\nDistribution:\nThe moths are widely distributed in central and southern Europe, and are occasionally found as far north as Sweden. In the southern countries of Europe the populations are controlled by natural predators, but these predators are not present in northern Europe. Their range is expanding northward, possibly or partly as a result of global warming. The moth now has an established population in the UK (source Wikipedia). In the Netherlands the Species is a severe Plague for several Years (especially the Caterpillars, with their defense Bristles, which can cause irritation or health problems by Human) .\n\nThis Picture is made during a light catch in the South of Limburg half way of August 2021. This is a very common Species in the Netherlands and is a Pest there.](https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1342073336/photo/oak-processionary-moth-male.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=jkx8oMr2xzkTSsF8p7Xj9CCTRYYryQn7syMn5ZlUxE8=)
