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pine processionary caterpillar
fact fileAlthough they don't grow very big they deliver extreme pain if you touch one of their hairs. This caterpillar feeds on needles from pine trees and conifer and in large numbers can eat a lot. They are so dangerous because of their dangerous hairs that sometimes fall off and if you are unlucky they can get on your skin and cause painful skin irritations and rashes and even bad allergic reactions. Another reason its hairs are deadly is because animals will either sniff the hairs and touch one by accident or try and eat one and will get a nasty shock and the hairs blow off the caterpillar and blow into people and animals. Even though they are native to north Africa they are rapidly spreading throughout Europe and are adapting to new environments and are currently heading to great Britain.
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LocationThey are found in central Asia, certain parts of Europe but, they are native to north Africa.
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