Hairy Processionary Caterpillars: All About The Insect That Almost Gave Jamie Dornan A Heart Attack

Jamie Dornan Health Scare

[{"selector":"#anim-ae2476a3-a8c0-41a3-903d-35ee47ffcf66 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(24.677631933601628%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The ‘50 Shades’ star was in Portugal recently and he somehow touched a Hairy Processionary Caterpillar. Credits: Instagram

What Are They?

[{"selector":"#anim-0144a577-7ce8-4f58-9e80-d028311875c3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] They are the larvae of the Bag-Shelter Moth and pose a threat to living things around them. Credits: Canva

Jamie’s Story

[{"selector":"#anim-f4b8ffa0-bd68-4a90-a83d-7323070d467d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(24.671052986138665%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] His friend Gordon Smart first experienced heart attack-like symptoms and went to the hospital. Soon, Jamie & wife also felt similar symptoms. They learned later that it was the caterpillar’s effect. Credits: Instagram

What’s In The Name?

[{"selector":"#anim-a93a2413-b445-4ee3-bf3b-228b0943e320 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] They’re called this because they move in a straight line like in a procession. Credits: Canva

Brittle Hair

[{"selector":"#anim-0f351a47-2622-45e7-bb67-8ebf06919633 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Credits: Canva They have brittle hair that break off in human skin and contain harmful proteins which can give humans heart attacks.

Health Impact

[{"selector":"#anim-03e37413-87b3-4333-96cc-ffeb5326b051 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Credits: Canva If they get in your eyes, they can even cause blindness.

Impact On Animals

[{"selector":"#anim-0a909169-6f77-4cf2-b8ae-ab4c8815e0c4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Credits: Canva It is found that if pregnant horses eat them after confusing them with grass, their foal is immediately aborted.

Impact On Trees

[{"selector":"#anim-ced90815-d796-4068-8319-8352e13d5c6c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Credits: Canva These caterpillars eat voraciously and will move to other trees after demolishing one.

[{"selector":"#anim-a8969d7f-5580-463f-835e-325bb9e8ad26 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(24.677631933601628%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] We’re surely glad that he’s doing okay now! Credits: Instagram