This moth is native to central and southern Europe. Both the English and scientific names refer to the peculiar behaviour of the larvae of forming a long nose-to-tail procession. It is a pest species feeding in large numbers on oak (Quercus) causing severe defoliation of oak. The caterpillars and the adult moths have very urticating (irritating) hairs that carry a toxic substance that can create a (severe) health hazard. Be very careful with this species as they cause serious irritation to the skin, eyes and bronchial tubes of humans and animals.



Thaumetopoea processionea is a native of southern Europe and it has been spreading northwards all the way to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and even to the UK. In the Netherlands this moth was first recorded in 1991 and by now it is already widespread and established. It first arrived in the UK (Richmond, London) around 2005 with oak tree stock imported from the Netherlands. A second site in southern England in 2010 was also attributed to imported oak trees from the Netherlands also. It is considered to be established in the United Kingdom in several boroughs and in a small area of Berkshire and in the Channel Islands as well.