#ThaumetopoeaPityocampa, so lovingly described by brilliant #French #entomologist and polymath #JeanHenriFabre*:

~~*His #SouvenirsEntomologiques are jewels of “scientific literature”, a term I use advisedly, and it’s hard to imagine a life more full or more fulfilled than his. ~~
2/4

The larvae of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) neatly march in single file, nose to tail from their tent-like communal nest high in the pine trees to the feeding site and then down to the ground to pupate. Processions up to eight meters long have been observed, sometimes even in multiple files side by side. These foraging caterpillar squads are well-defended against predators, with their venomous hairs full of microscopic barbs. Monocultures and rising temperatures caused by climate change have enabled the pine processionary to defoliate vast swaths of forest. In January 1896, the famous entomologist and poet Jean-Henri Fabre conducted an experiment in which he arranged the processionaries on a circular path. A closed circuit with no leader—each caterpillar preceded by another on whose heels it followed. For many days and many nights, the caterpillars held to their tireless, infinite march.

@entomology
I wrote a little text about the pine processionary that I want to use in an art project. I am not an entomologist, just a Jean-Henri Fabre fan.
Dear #entomology community in the fediverse, could you proofread and fact check this for me?

Full text […]

[Original post on mastodon.social]