Oak processionary the same manner. Oak is its preferred food source, but the moth also eats the leaves of hazel, hornbeam, sweet chestnut, birch and beech. The moths pose an increasing threat to humans as their range is extended. The backs of older caterpillars (3rd to 6th instars) are covered with up to 63,000 pointed defensive bristles, which contain an urticating toxin (e.g., the protein thaumetopoein). The setae break off readily, become airborne and can cause epidemic caterpillar dermatitis (lepidopterism), manifested as a papular rash, pruritus, conjunctivitis and, if inhaled, pharyngitis and respiratory distress, including asthma or even anaphylaxis; however, as of
Human Environment Animal Protection became an independent MEP in the EUL-NGL-group. Human Environment Animal Protection The Party Human Environment Animal Protection (, short form: Animal Protection Party, ) is a political party in Germany, founded in 1993. In 2014 one candidate was elected to the European Parliament. As of December 2014 the party has no members in the state parliaments, the European Parliament or the Bundestag. The party aspires to turn away from the anthropocentric view of life. Its main goal is the introduction of more animal rights into the German constitution. Those include the right to live and the protection from physical and