Totally harmless’
Tim Sexton, from Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said the silk “defensive” webbing was used by the caterpillars to protect themselves whilst they feed.
The ermine moth eggs are laid on trees in late autumn, which hatch over winter, and that leads into an “explosion of feeding activity” in spring.
“I think as soon as people start to see webs and caterpillars on trees, they always fear the worst and expect it to be one of these more toxic species,” Mr Sexton explained.
“But these are totally harmless.”
Mr Sexton said the intensity of the webbing this year could be attributed to the dry weather, because it was usually washed away by rainfall.
He added the trees, which currently appear bare, would normally recover.
“I think this webbing is going to continue, certainly for the foreseeable future, but it really is quite a spectacle,” he said.
“I’d urge anyone to go out and have a look at it and enjoy the caterpillars for themselves.”
Totally harmless’
Tim Sexton, from Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said the silk “defensive” webbing was used by the caterpillars to protect themselves whilst they feed.
The ermine moth eggs are laid on trees in late autumn, which hatch over winter, and that leads into an “explosion of feeding activity” in spring.
“I think as soon as people start to see webs and caterpillars on trees, they always fear the worst and expect it to be one of these more toxic species,” Mr Sexton explained.
“But these are totally harmless.”
Mr Sexton said the intensity of the webbing this year could be attributed to the dry weather, because it was usually washed away by rainfall.
He added the trees, which currently appear bare, would normally recover.
“I think this webbing is going to continue, certainly for the foreseeable future, but it really is quite a spectacle,” he said.
“I’d urge anyone to go out and have a look at it and enjoy the caterpillars for themselves.”