Oak Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea processionea

The Oak Processionary Moth is an invasive species from Central and Eastern Europe which has colonised parts of the UK "Home Counties" since 2006. The name is after the caterpillars' habit of following each other in a line when foraging on a tree. The caterpillar hairs are irritants both to human skin and, when breathed in from the air, the respiratory system. The moth above was fished out of liquid and has lost many of its distinguishing scales. ID was by an expert. The part of the forewing connecting to the body (usually covered) is pale. Wingspan is 25-35mm; UK flight time Jul-Sep.