Tag Archives: Oak processionary spinner

Webs in bushes: a sign of diversity and rarely a cause for concern

The warm early summer weather is encouraging the activity of many insects. Anyone currently observant in the woods and fields will find striking, white-gray, web-covered twigs or crowns on many tree and shrub species. Many immediately fear an infestation by the oak processionary moth. However, the builders of these so-called webs are usually butterfly caterpillars from the ermine moth family. The caterpillars are easy to observe… Read more »

Early warning system for oak processionary moths is available free of charge

By | April 3, 2025

The PHENTHAUproc early warning system is now available nationwide for the daily assessment and forecasting of the dangers posed by the oak processionary moth (OPM, Thaumetopoea processionea L.) to both oak tree vitality and the health of humans and animals. This free, publicly accessible web application provides comprehensive information on oak bud break and OPM development, thus supporting monitoring for hazard assessment and… Read more »