A while ago Lisa at DailyMusings (I think) had some hairy caterpillars, their real name is Ochrogaster lunifer or Processional Caterpillar, in one of her posts. Thanks to Becky at It caught my eye in Portugal for letting me know it was her post. Here is it here I commented how my girls liked to make the caterpillar train go into a circle. Well, yesterday, driving home, on the road outside of my place, a caterpillar train was crossing the road. I had to stop to make sure they got across the road safely, albeit with a slight detour.
The caterpillar train stretched around three meters across the road
The leader seemed to know where to go.
They march nose to tail. Wouldn’t the one in front tickle your nose?
“Somehow” the leader “wanted” to join in the train somewhere
You aren’t allowed to push in the train.
Once you are out, it is hard to get back in.
Soon the train was in a bit of a circle with knots of caterpillars forming
They do try to find some semblance of order
Soon the circle became broken with a knot of caterpillars at the front
I am sure they were trying to elect a new leader
They are really hairy aren’t they?
Election over, the leader decided to get the caterpillar train back on track to find a Fringe Wattle, their favourite food on my place.
NOTE: Do not touch these caterpillars as they can cause a skin rash that can last a while.
NOTE: No caterpillars were harmed in this photo shoot
bushboys world 
That’s wild! I’m not sure I e ever seen our caterpillars do such a thing. Kinda makes my skin crawl though. 😃😃
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Thanks. They are rather small but hairy 😀😀
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I’ve never seen them in a line like that. 😃
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Now you have 🙂 🙂 🙂
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What an amazing sight; well documented. I suppose they are trying to imitate being a snake to stop predators. A lovely moment in nature.
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It is a sight to see. The Meat Ants tried to get them but the hairs and possibly smell put them off. Thanks for your comment 😀
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WOW!!!! Yes, I posted one a while back, it was more of a red and black color… but not making trains like that- how amazing!!!!
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Thanks Lisa. I wonder who did the hairy caterpillar post? They are fantastic as they walk about.
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It was me!!!! Fascinating BUT lethal
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Thank you Becky. I did search my comments but just couldn’t find the post, sorry. I shall do an amendment. Lethal is a bit extreme itchy yes lol
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Sticking with lethal after what I read!!!
And no worries – i do this all the time. So easy to do when we all follow and comment on so many blogs 😊
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Thanks for being understanding Becky 🙂
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I loved the train story! And yes I have had a brush with many a hairy one and broken out it awful rash during my childhood. But never seen them in a train 😀
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Glad I could show you something different D
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Heehee. Crazy cats!
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🙂
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This is fascinating…
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I am so used to seeing them but still am fascinated too
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Oh mine!! That must be once in a lifetime experience! Thank you for the beautiful shots and share. 🙂
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No Miriam, I have seen this many times. Thanks for your lovely comment too 🙂
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My husband said he remembers seeing them in Australia when he was there as a boy. 🙂
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🙂
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🙂
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brilliant shots Brian. You got much closer than me – they are a regular sight in the Algarve https://beckyinportugal.com/2018/02/18/warning-processionary-caterpillar-algarve/
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Thank for the link Becky. I am used to seeing them as well. ❤
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😊
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Wow, very impressive! For how long did you observe them?
I felt relieved when I saw the note at the end. 😉🐛💚
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Thank you Evita. I was watching them for about 15 minutes 🙂
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Thank you, B.! Oh, just 15 min! So much traffic jam in just 15 minutes! I thought it would have been longer. 😁
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Those little legs really get going 🙂
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That was awesome! So glad you were able to capture this!
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Thank you RG happy you enjoyed the train 😀
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Cool captures, Brian!! The caterpillar train, So amazing….
Thank you for sharing with us!
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Your welcome Amy. A great sight to see 😀
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Oh wow! I saw one lone caterpillar today and when I mentioned your train, it was all about catching a ride!
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😀 😀 😀
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Amazing! I’ve never seen them do this, never mind that many at once.
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It is a rather amazing experience. It’s at least once a year around here but not crossing the road all that often
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