Processionary Caterpillars - South Australia

Processionary Caterpillars are found throughout coastal and inland Australia and display a fascinating behaviour that helps them find new sources of food. Once these caterpillars have stripped a plant of its edible foliage, they leave to find another plant, leaving a silken trail behind them. Processionary caterpillars instinctually follow these silken trails, so it is possible to see groups of up to 200 of them moving head-to-tail in a tightly formed line, seeking a fresh supply of food at the other end. This behaviour can have its downsides however. If two caterpillars find the silken trail left by the other, they will follow each other, walking around in an endless circle and if a whole group of processionary caterpillars do this, they will end up in one big, confused mess.