The Northward March of the Pine Processionary Caterpillar
As climate change progresses, the pine processionary caterpillar is making its way northward in France. The increasingly mild winters are accelerating the growth and spread of this insect, which poses significant risks to both humans and animals.
Observations from Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, Northern France
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The sight of pine processionary caterpillars moving in tight, orderly lines is becoming a more common spectacle in various parts of France. After feasting on pine needles, these caterpillars descend from their host trees to burrow into the soil and transition into chrysalides, eventually emerging as moths.
Their relatives, the oak processionary caterpillars, generally stick to their trees, making encounters with them less likely. Fortunately, as both types of caterpillars are highly irritating to the skin and can cause severe allergic reactions and respiratory issues in humans and animals alike.
Traditionally seen in mountainous and Mediterranean areas, the pine processionary caterpillars are now also appearing in the north of France. Climate change is making northern latitudes more hospitable for these insects, allowing them to migrate steadily upward.
To monitor the expansion of these caterpillars, a program was established in 2021, led by the Fredon France network. This network aims to track and manage the spread of these pests. Gaëtan Douchin, a project officer at Fredon Normandie, has observed the caterpillars advancing northward through his region year after year.
“Moths can travel up to 4 km per season,” Douchin explains. “We observe municipalities being colonized gradually from south to north. The caterpillars came from Brittany, and we can track the progression of this colonization front.” The southern departments of the region are currently most affected, while Seine-Maritime in the north remains largely untouched—for now.
The caterpillars thrive in climates that maintain positive temperatures, particularly where their underground nests remain above 6°C.
“If we experience warm autumns and winters, the caterpillars develop much faster,” says Douchin. “This was the case in La Manche last autumn, with favorable conditions leading to the first processions appearing at the end of October, much earlier than the usual start in January.”
The pine processionary caterpillars continue their northward journey… But have they reached the very top of France? In Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, a local sports complex usually open to the public is now closed.
A municipal notice on the locked entrance gate reports a temporary closure due to the confirmed presence of processionary caterpillars. However, a photograph taken by reporters from La Voix du Nord shows a caterpillar with two red spots on its rear, which is not characteristic of the processionary species.
“If you see two red spots, you can be certain it’s a brown-tail moth caterpillar,” Douchin notes. Though also irritating, the brown-tail moth caterpillar is not considered a pest.
Eventually, the pine processionary caterpillars will complete their migration and may one day reach as far north as Dunkirk. But until then: “Hold on, butterfly!”
Dangerous for Humans, Even More So for Dogs
The processionary caterpillars are not only irritating but also allergenic to humans. “Whether from oak or pine, they carry the same properties,” Douchin remarks. “The irritating hairs are not the ones visible to the naked eye; these hairs are extremely fine and airborne. Sometimes, you might think you’re not exposed just by being near the caterpillars, but in reality, you are exposed to these hairs.”
The risk is even greater for animals, particularly dogs, which can suffer severe injuries from contact with the caterpillars, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. To help control the caterpillar population, natural predators such as bats, which prey on the moths, and birds like tits, cuckoos, hoopoes, and large ground beetles, which feed on the caterpillars, play a crucial role.
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Hi, I’m Ashley from the Decatur Metro team. I share essential information for a sustainable and responsible lifestyle.
