Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]

Welcome to Nature UK. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use
but If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features.

There are numerous topics members can take part in that are exclusive to Nature UK
including the yearly photography challenges and the seasonal spotting challenges.
We also have a very comprehensive wildlife identification section along with a monthly photo competition.
Please feel free to share your photos with us and any wildlife discussion you may have.

You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.

Click Here to Join our community!

If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:


Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Toxic Caterpillar; Health warnings after toxic caterpillar outbreak in London
Topic Started: Apr 28 2018, 01:31 PM (66 Views)
Laurie P
Member Avatar
[div style='visibility: hidden']test[/div]
BBC News article.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
celticsparrow-Jan
Member Avatar


I have not heard of those before Laurie, one to avoid if we spot them.

:thanks: for the link
Quote Post Goto Top
 
JennyWren
Member Avatar
[div style='visibility: hidden']test[/div]
They've been around for a long time now , and i suppose the warmer weather is helping to get them on the move again . I'm sure people will be affected by them , but they need to be reminded of the warnings every year .

Quote Post Goto Top
 
AnnB
Member Avatar


Thank you for the link, Laurie.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
Night Owl
Member Avatar


:thankyou: for the link Laurie, :yes: one to avoid getting to close to.
I did :giggle: at the 'Key Identifying features' - Do not live on fences, walls and similar structures :thinking:
I don't know of any caterpillars that live on fences :shrug:
Quote Post Goto Top
 
feedyourhedgehog
Member Avatar


Sounds worrying, especially if you're an asthma sufferer and particularly children who love to pick up small critters :thinking:
Quote Post Goto Top
 
JennyWren
Member Avatar
[div style='visibility: hidden']test[/div]
:girlygiggle: Julie , i missed that bit about the fences and similar structures .

There was an article on BBC a few years ago with Tony Kirkham from Kew Gardens ....... '' A population of OPM established itself in the west London area in 2006'' .......

They were showing the caterpillars proceeding from tree to tree . Not sure how Kew dealt with them but i'm sure there's a write up somewhere .

Laurie :Cool: it's certainly worth an annual reminder :cool2:

Paula , the asthma connection sounds ominous :thinking: ..... '' As a caterpillar, each OPM has about 62,000 hairs, which they can eject. ''Hairs that fall to the ground can be active for up to five years. '' Posted Image unlike those who are allergic to them , presumably Posted Image
Quote Post Goto Top
 
Davebutterflyman
Member Avatar


There can be quite a serious reaction that can follow after coming into contact with them.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · Wildlife In The Media. · Next Topic »
Add Reply

Follow NatureUK on Twitter   Follow NatureUK on Facebook
Fresh Graphics Custom Theme By Outline