Spain, Salomo, nr Tarragona

Duration - 5 days (24/02/2022 - 29/02/2022)

Home and Location - Rural finca on outskirts of Salomo, NE of Tarragona

Pets; 1 dog: Teix (1yr old), 1 cat Nyx . 3 chickens (unnamed)

New experiences - Off grid property, giving processionary caterpillars a wide berth.

Upon arrival at the house, we were warmly greeted by Jeanne and Juan, homeowners at their off grid finca near Salomo and their lovely dog Teix (pronounced Taysh) and Nyx the cat. Whilst being given our notes about how to care for the animals we were also told to watch out for - and stay away from - the abundance of pine processionary caterpillars. They are not only extremely toxic and therefore dangerous to anyone (or animal) who comes into contact with them, they are also responsible for the destruction of the pine trees they inhabit.

** Note on Processionary caterpillars

What is a Pine Processionary Caterpillar?

The processionary caterpillar is mostly found in wooded forests and can be identified by the thousands of small fine poisonous hairs or bristles that cover their bodies.

The caterpillars are 3-4cm in length and are usually an orange and brown colour.

The name ‘processionary’ comes from the fact that they create a procession or caterpillar style ‘conga’ from head to tail to form a long chain. It is not unheard of to see chains with hundreds of them all joined together. The caterpillars are not only extremely toxic and therefore dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with them, they are also responsible for the destruction of the pine trees they inhabit.