The larva of the Lepidoptera of the genus Thaumetopoea is popularly known as processionary due to the custom of advancing in long lines. It usually comes out in the late afternoon and feeds on pine, oak or holm leaves, depending on the species to which it belongs.
The curious way in which the members of this species move, one followed by another with their heads touching the back of the front -in a procession-, is part of a clever strategy to scare the possible enemy , who sees before their eyes a endless elongated body with a rather haunting look. In fact, the simple brush of their hair causes irritation to most of their predators; Another of its notable characteristics is the secretion of a very irritating substance.
The habit of going in a procession also gives you advantages when looking for new sources of food.
