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Caterpillars in webs (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Keith Dickinson
- Start date
They are called "Tent Caterpillars" and a menace.
To get rid of them I use a propane tourch.
Bill
Capercaillie71
Well-known member
These look like Ermine Moth caterpillars (Yponomeuta evonymella), which form these cocoons on Bird Cherry (Prunus padus). They are a very common feature on bird cherries up here and do not seem to do the tree any lasting harm, even when there is a heavy infestation that strips most of the leaves.
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harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
I would agree, Cherry Ermine Moth. I get these in great multitudes in the valley where I live. For the past 12 years they have completely defoliated every Bird Cherry in the valley, and that's several hundred trees in total.
Another Ermine species covers Hawthorn hedges with identical webs, these are not so common in my area, but I have seen stretches of Hawthorn hedging completely stripped for stretches exceeding a mile in length.
Harry
Thanks for the replies, I've been birding at Fairburn Ings for 25+ years and can honestly say that it is the first time I've seen this phenomenon. I'll be keeping my eye on them with a view to seeing the pupae and adults, if you reckon that would be feasible.
harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
Keith,
You won't see the pupae on the webs, the larvae descend to the ground to pupate. Moths are abundant by night, but can be disturbed by day quite easily.
Try taking a few larvae home, they are very easily bred if you have access to a Bird Cherry nearby to provide fresh food.
Harry
I'll see if I can find a bird cherry nearby and do that Harry. It could be fun.
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