I have tent caterpillars. They're cute.

[Beth_B]

Just saw these on my buckthorn tree. In large quantities they can partially defoliate a tree, but I only have two colonies and they grow up to be fairly harmless and common moths. I like moths. So I'm happy they like it here and will be watching them grow up.

 

[zigs]

Nice one

 

[Becky]

I've never seen anything like that before! I think there are tent caterpillars in the UK but I don't think they're very common. Interesting to see them at work!

 

[LIcenter]

We have a major outbreak of them here as well. Even though the tents can be a little unsightly, in the grand scheme of things they really don't do all that much damage. The only time one should be concerned is if they are setting up shop on a young sapling that you may have just planted. They will quickly defoliate it causing great stress, and possibly killing the young tree.

 

[zigs]

There are some in the uk, just can't find the pic I took at the moment

 

[Beth_B]

Yeah, they rarely do much harm, just don't look that pretty (look at all the poop they've generated already!) I've seen entire trees covered by the forest moths, looks awful but the tree survives (unless as @LIcenter says its a vulnerable sapling.)

Fun fact: adult moths, or most of them anyway, do not eat. They don't have mouths, just a proboscis. They do need fluid and some minerals; they are pollinators.

 

[zigs]

They don't have mouths, just a proboscis. .

Reminds me of an ex girlfriend.

 

[Beth_B]

Reminds me of an ex girlfriend.

 

[zigs]

Think her name was Mariposa Behemoth.

 

[Beverly]

All those poohs will be a nice addition to the soil below.

 

[MaryMary]

I would like to watch them grow up, too.

(More pics, please!! )