Pak Chong: An unprecedented number of caterpillars have invaded the Animal Bio-Quality Testing and Research Center in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Hundreds of thousands of caterpillars are seen crawling over the golden shower trees, a phenomenon that officials note occurs annually but has intensified this year.
According to Thai News Agency, the caterpillars, identified as Golden Shower Caterpillars, have not only infested the trees but are also found on the ground, clinging to various surfaces such as the tires of staff vehicles. This increase in caterpillar numbers is linked to the blooming of the golden shower trees, a primary food source for these caterpillars.
The lifecycle of these caterpillars is closely tied to the seasonal blooming of the cassia trees. During the middle of summer, butterflies lay eggs under the leaves of these trees. Within 2-3 days, these eggs develop into larvae, which are the caterpillars currently observed. The larvae take an additional 10-15 days to become pupae, and after another 15 days, they transform into yellow-green butterflies, completing their evolutionary cycle.