Toxic Processionary Caterpillars aka Chenilles Processionnaires Du Pin
Randy and the kids headed out on a long exploratory bike ride. Cody and I stayed home. Their sightings included the normal horses, creeks, occasionally an aqueduct, and M’s field of green with the golden sun highlighting it.
This time however there was a guy flying his drone through the Aqueduct. I heard it was pretty fascinating to watch and listen to. The same day I received a picture from Jill with Fred flying his drone over the house which was covered with a dusting of powdered snow. We all enjoyed looking at our house and being reminded of home.
The bike adventure continued and they came upon what appeared to be a snake on the road. They decided to circle back and take a picture of it. We have not seen very many snakes here in France at all.
A closer look detected caterpillars walking in a line. These caterpillars are called processionary caterpillars as described by their form of movement and found in the southern half of France.
Fascinating to us Americans, toxic to all, including dogs! M enjoyed doing a photoshoot with these little critters. Upon further research the caterpillar hairs can cause reactions in humans and dogs. These reactions can be in the form of blisters, conjunctivitis and/or asthma attacks. These little things can damage trees by stripping the entire bark as well.
Known predators to processionary caterpillars are a few birds including the great tit, coal tit, great spotted cuckoo, and hoopoes, shown below from wikipedia images. Bring on the European birds!!!
Lees in France 