Scattered within the hawthorn and blackthorn bushes are these nests that look like matted cobwebs. On closer inspection though you can see that they are home to dozens of tiny caterpillars that look very much at home munching the leaves. It's lucky that they move slowly as they are devastating anything and everything in their path.
Having watched these cobweb structures for a few days now we think the black dots might be the caterpillar eggs though unfortunately we don't know what species they are.
Nevertheless it is good to see them as it is more evidence that we are doing the right thing here by leaving lots of wild patches for weeds and trees to grow in. It may not be the ideal outcome for the caterpillars and butterflies, but they will also make a tasty meal for all of the birds that are also being encouraged by the wild spaces!
Nevertheless it is good to see them as it is more evidence that we are doing the right thing here by leaving lots of wild patches for weeds and trees to grow in. It may not be the ideal outcome for the caterpillars and butterflies, but they will also make a tasty meal for all of the birds that are also being encouraged by the wild spaces!
 |
| Emerging caterpillars eating hawthorn leaves |
No comments:
Post a Comment