Pine processionary maximum recorded of . The species flies from May to July. "T. pityocampa" is a highly social organism. Throughout its life cycle, a pine processionary will make several shelters. The first of these are flimsy and temporary, but in the third instar, they build a permanent nest. Once their permanent nest is built, the caterpillars become foragers staying in the vicinity of the nest. The nest has no openings, so caterpillars force themselves through the layers of the shelter. The waste from the larvae's diet accumulates at the bottom of the nest. The pine processionary caterpillar is responsible for most
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based in Riverdale, Maryland responsible for protecting animal health, animal welfare, and plant health. APHIS is the lead agency for collaboration with other agencies to protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and diseases. APHIS is the National Plant Protection Authority for the U.S. government, and the agency's head of veterinary services is Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States. APHIS was created in 1972 by Secretary’s Memorandum No. 1769. The origins of the agency predate