The next visitor was a hairy caterpillar (make it complex)
Answers
On a recent day out to the mountains to check out the dire snow situation in the local ski resort we were taken aback by just how many caterpillar nests we saw in the pine trees and how much destruction they had caused. There were vast areas of what looked like dead trees and more nests than I’ve even seen. Some trees were groaning under old dried-out brown nests while others were still healthy-looking but covered in silky white “tents” about 15cm in diameter.
What are these nests you might ask? For those not in the know you may even find them attractive, but take care and read on….They are made by the pine processionary caterpillar (or chenille processionnaire in French), a pesky little thing that can cause a nasty sting, and can be dangerous to babies, young children, anyone with allergies or a weakened immune system and pets. They are found attached to branches of pine trees throughout southern Europe and in recent years have been spreading further north. The Mediterranean area is particularly affected.