Caterpillars on Oaks in Central Europe / Chenilles des Chênes d’Europe Centrale

Caterpillars on Oaks in Central Europe / Chenilles des Chênes d’Europe Centrale

This bilingual (French-English) book provides a means of identifying the caterpillars of micro- and macro-heteroceran moths (nocturnal Lepidoptera) that live and feed on European oaks. Originally focused on Central Europe, it is also highly relevant to Western Europe.

It summarises characters that are visible to the naked eye or under low magnification, an approach not previously applied to these specialized larvae.

The book contains over 1,200 photographs and original descriptions of more than 240 species. The caterpillars are outlined and illustrated with an emphasis on distinctive features. Brief information on the bionomics, distribution and significance of each species is also included.

Although the fauna specific to the Mediterranean Basin is not the main focus of this book, most species, particularly the most representative ones, are also found there. Indeed, the Western Palaearctic region, which includes Western and Central Europe, is remarkably homogeneous from southern Scandinavia to the mountains of North Africa.

Caterpillars on Oaks are of particular interest to those working in the tree industries in the UK as well as in Europe. In the South East of the UK, Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) in particular can cause severe damage. Others species found more widely in the UK include Green Oak Tortrix (Tortrix viridana) and Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata).

Caterpillars on Oaks in Central Europe / Chenilles des Chênes d’Europe Centrale book will also assist in identifying numerous caterpillars found on other forest and fruit trees, as many that live on oaks e.g. Winter Moth are polyphagous. Caterpillar-like larvae of sawflies that develop on oaks are briefly introduced as well.

Co-authored by a team including the authors of the widely used reference book on  Insects and Diseases Damaging Trees and Shrubs of Europe (2013)