Pine processionary moth
Thaumetopoea pinivora
- Group
- Stinging-hair caterpillar
- Risk
- Very high danger
- Protection status
- Not protected
- Identifying features
-
- Similar to the oak processionary moth
- More strongly contrasting, greyish colouring
- Lives in pine forests on dry, sandy soils
- Microscopic urticating hairs with a high health risk
The pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pinivora) is another processionary moth species that resembles the oak processionary moth but differs in its habitat and its more strongly contrasting markings.
How to identify it
- Caterpillar: similar to the oak processionary moth, but more strongly contrasting and greyer in colour
- Habitat: pine forests on dry, sandy soils
- Behaviour: nocturnal processions between the nest and the feeding site, typical of all processionary moth species
Risk
Very high: the pine processionary moth also develops microscopically fine urticating hairs containing an irritant toxin. Contact with them or inhaling them can cause skin irritation as well as eye and respiratory complaints.
Protection status in Switzerland
The pine processionary moth is not protected by law in Switzerland.
What to do about an infestation
Because the urticating hairs pose a high health risk, affected areas in pine forests should be avoided and nests should never be removed yourself. We will advise you on how to proceed safely.