This video shows the unique behaviour of the Pine Processionary Caterpillar. The leading caterpillar leaves a pheromone behind, which the other caterpillars follow one by one, nose to tail. These caterpillars are trying to find some soft ground to bury in. They will then re-emerge in the summer as a beautiful silk moth. It is hypnotising to watch. These caterpillars are also very dangerous. They can fire out urticating hairs which are harpoon shaped and stick in the victims skin, leading to excessive itching and in some cases anaphylactic shock. The pine processionary caterpillar is responsible for most of the defoliation of southern Europe.
I took this video in Spain as the caterpillars were crossing the path in front of me, the line was around 5 metres in length with each caterpillar averaging about 2 inches.
I used a canon 5d mkiii to film the procession. After filming I had a few itches where the hairs from the caterpillars had hooked in my skin. There are 6 videos in this set which show the procession from different angles.