Caterpillars Seen Forming Caravan to Find Pupation Site

Posted on December 15, 2012

Here is a video of a lengthy caterpillar caravan. These are pine processionary caterpillars (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). They form processions like this when they are in search of pupation sites. Laughing Squid reports that this particular procession, filmed by Sweden-based Mehmedsamirs is nearly 13 feet long. The procession may help the caterpillar defend itself from predators by fooling them into thinking it is a snake. These caterpillars also have another defensive feature: barbed hairs that can cause skin rashes. This is one reason why no one is messing with the caravan. They are considered a pest in eastern Europe. Take a look:

INSECTS
CATERPILLARS