Coccoloba Platyclada 



NO — ■ Polygonaceae 



Shrub with curiously ilattened, jointed leaves-small reddishflowers at junction 

 of segments. 



The Nest of the Processional Caterpillars 



These commence their perigrinations in late February or March when they 

 may be seen in series many yards in length along th^ roads. The caterpillars 

 are richly coloured and hairy, the bristles being very pointed and brittle so 

 that if handled the points break off in the skin and cause intense itching. 



The forepart of each caterpillar is in contact with the hind part of its prede- 

 cessor (except the first one) so that the procession looks like some long, sinuous 

 animal. These nests are found only in pine trees. It ultimately develops into 

 a nocturnal moth. 



(90 



