Toxic Oak Processionary Moth, Native To Mediterrenean, Arrives In England - Reuters

[hatrack]

LONDON - A species of toxic moth which has been moving steadily north from the Mediterranean because of global warming has reached England, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew said on Wednesday.

Emergency measures have been put in place to protect trees in Kew Gardens in West London, where a number of Oak Processionary Moths (Thaumetopoea processionea) have been discovered, Kew Gardens said in a statement.

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The Oak Moth lays its eggs in oak trees, and the caterpillars eat the trees' foliage. The poisonous hairs on the caterpillars' back can cause itchy rashes, breathing difficulties and severe allergic reactions in humans.

Kew said the moths found in England were believed to have entered the country as eggs laid on imported trees, so the immediate danger was limited.

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http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/42590/story.htm

[kestrel91316]

1. This is just part of a natural cycle. Happens all the time. Move along.