Marching Through the Woodlands of Olde England

There are reports that outbreaks of Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) larvae are spreading in Southern England (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-74CE39). The caterpillars live together in large groups and have the habit of following each other as they move from location to location. They also have extremely irritating hairs which can damage humans and animals and are major defoliators of oak trees. Their actions can certainly greatly damage infested trees and can even kill them. The loss of oak productivity can endanger birds and mammals that feed on acorns.