Status
Morley's Final Catalogue: Not noted from Suffolk in Morley's time.
Recent Suffolk Status: Formerly a rare immigrant but in more recent years becoming almost annual, sometimes in numbers, most likely due to the big increase in the naturalized population around London. Could become resident like it has done in parts of Essex.
The first county record was in Felixstowe on 03.08.1995 (A. Watchman). This was quickly followed by 3 more records: 04.08.1995 at Landguard (N. Odin), 11.08.1995 at Felixstowe (J. Nichols) and finally on 11.08.1995 at Shottisham (A. Watchman et.al.). 1995 was a good year for moth migration and this species was noted at many sites across the country. There are only odd single records up until 2018 when numbers suddenly started to increase. 2020 is the year with most records currently (45).
Life history: Single brooded the summer. Larvae live in communal nests on Oaks and leave together nose to tail, hence the species English name.
A notifiable species, any suspected larval nests or caterpillars in the county please report to forestresearch.gov.uk via TreeAlert.
(authorities do not require reports of adult moths)
Identification: The pale basal area of the forewing distinguishes this species from Pine processionary.
Habitats: Woodland, gardens, parks, coastal habitats.  | Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required. | |
Recorded in 32 (55%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1995.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats |