The first oak processionary caterpillars of the spring have already been spotted, earlier than ever for this time of year. According to the Oak Processionary Caterpillar Knowledge Centre, the insects, which can cause significant nuisance later in the season, were observed earlier this week.
“Normally, the first stinging hairs appear around mid‑May. But with this warm March weather, that could happen sooner”, the centre reports via the Nature platform.
Until now, the earliest sighting on record was on March 30, 2014. This year, the caterpillars were spotted a full week earlier. Experts say the combination of unusually high temperatures and abundant sunshine likely triggered the early emergence.
As the caterpillars grow, they develop hundreds of thousands of tiny hairs that can detach when the animals feel threatened or stressed. For humans, contact with these hairs can lead to itching, skin rashes, and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
