{"id":816,"date":"2025-10-06T08:06:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T06:06:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/controlprocessionaria.cat\/?p=816"},"modified":"2025-10-06T08:06:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T06:06:06","slug":"descobreix-el-cicle-biologic-complet-de-la-processionaria-del-pi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/controlprocessionaria.cat\/en\/descobreix-el-cicle-biologic-complet-de-la-processionaria-del-pi\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the complete biological cycle of the pine processionary moth"},"content":{"rendered":"

The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)<\/strong> is one of the most common forest pests in Mediterranean ecosystems. Understanding its biological cycle is essential for effective and sustainable control.<\/p>\n

Reproduction and adult moths<\/h2>\n

The adult phase begins with the emergence of butterflies or moths between June and August<\/strong>The females live only 24-48 hours, during which time they mate and lay their eggs on the pine needles.
\nEach female can lay between 150 and 300 eggs<\/strong>, which it protects with hairs and scales on its abdomen.
\nThese data have been extensively studied in studies of Fitzgerald (State University of New York)<\/a> and Forest Research UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Eggs and hatching<\/h2>\n

The eggs take a while to hatch. 30 and 45 days<\/strong> to hatch, depending on the ambient temperature. The caterpillars emerge in late summer and immediately begin feeding on pine needles (Pinus halepensis<\/em>, P. pinea<\/em> or P. nigra<\/em>).
\nAccording to CABI Compendium<\/a>, the rate of hatching and development varies depending on latitude and local microclimate.<\/p>\n

Larval development<\/h2>\n

The caterpillars go through five larval stages as they feed on tender pine leaves.
\nDuring the winter months they build silky nests<\/strong> visible in the treetops, where they take refuge during the day.
\nThis stage extends from September to February<\/strong>, and that is when they cause the greatest defoliation.
\nStudies of Plant Health Center (Scotland)<\/a> and ScienceDirect<\/a> describe this phase in detail.<\/p>\n

Descent and underground phase<\/h2>\n

When spring arrives, the caterpillars descend in rows to the ground to look for a suitable place to bury themselves.
\nThere they form a underground cocoon<\/strong> where they remain as chrysalis<\/strong> for months or even years.
\nAccording to sciencedirect (2022)<\/a>, the diapause period can be extended depending on the winter cold or altitude.<\/p>\n

Adult emergency<\/h2>\n

The new generation of moths emerges among June and August<\/strong>The adults emerge from the underground pupa, mate and start the cycle again.
\nThis process closes a complete cycle that can last between 12 months and 3 years<\/strong>, depending on weather conditions.
\nThe observations of Koppert Biological Systems<\/a> confirm this variability.<\/p>\n

Factors that affect the biological cycle<\/h2>\n