THAUMETOPOEIDAE
Two species of this family, known as the Processionaries, have been found in the British Isles; one of these has been recorded in Dorset. They range in wingspan 30 to 45 mm, and are, with one exception, various shades of brown or grey. The larvae live communally in a large web nest, and march to the foliage of the host tree in long processions, head to tail. The web nest strands plus caterpillar hairs contain toxins that can cause inflammation to the skin if touched. The Processionaries are single brooded and overwinter as an egg. Both moths are nocturnal and are readily attracted to light.
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2022 Thaumetopoea processionea (Linnaeus, 1758) OAK PROCESSIONARY A rare immigrant, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.). The moth is a pest species occurring in northern Spain, southern and eastern France and eastwards across central and eastern Europe, the larvae living gregariously in webs and often defoliating areas of forest. In Dorset, four moths have been recorded. The first record, Swanage (Mrs J Colson; Entomologist 374), was not believed at the time: “Any lepidopterist who has first-hand knowledge of the members of this family will recognise the absurdity of the record.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). Subsequent light trap records indicate that the moth does indeed manage to make it to our shores from the Continent on occasion: Portland, light on 18 August 2006 (M Cade), Swanage, on 17 August 2004 (R Cox), Worth Matravers, on 18 August 1996 (M Townsend).
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