A Tree Pest Threatening Britain's Woodlands
The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM): A Tree Pest Threatening Britain's Woodlands The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM), scientifically known as Thaumetopoea processionea, has become a significant concern in British woodlands. This species of moth, native to southern Europe, poses a threat to various species of trees as its caterpillars voraciously feed on their leaves. Large populations of OPM can strip trees bare, making them more susceptible to other pests, diseases, and environmental stresses such as drought. With a recent surge in OPM infestations across the country, experts have issued warnings to the public, advising against approaching these hairy and toxic caterpillars. This article explores the impact of OPM on trees and the potential risks it poses to both ecosystems and human health. The Life Cycle of the Oak Processionary Moth: The Oak Processionary Moth undergoes a complete metamorphosis, consisting of four distinct stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), pupa, and adult. The adult