Several regions are threatened by an invasion of caterpillars. These insects are capable of devouring hectares of forests.
France is preparing to fight against an invasion of caterpillars; according to the authorities, nearly a thousand municipalities, or nearly one in four cities, are classified at risk. The arrival of the caterpillars was three months earlier than usual, due to a milder winter in many regions.
These are “processionary caterpillars”, so called because of their habit of moving in long processions one after the other. They live in large nests, preferring pine trees, and can devour hectares of forest if left unattended. In addition, their fine, brittle hairs are very irritating to human skin, and some subspecies are poisonous.
The caterpillars in question are native to the Mediterranean, but since the 1970s they have spread to more and more French regions. In recent years, their progress has accelerated considerably due to climate change.