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05
Jun 2021
Wonder of nature: Ghostly caterpillar web covers Harrogate hedge
A hedge covered in a ghostly looking web has appeared on Wetherby Road in Harrogate. The striking phenomena is the work of caterpillars protecting themselves from predators while they feed on the hedge.
The caterpillar webbing on a hedge on A661 Wetherby Road.
Caterpillars have covered a hedge on Wetherby Road in what looks like a ghostly web.
Drivers will spot the small section of hedge covered in the white webbing on the A661 heading towards Spofforth.
It has become home for caterpillars, which create the webs to protect themselves against predators such as birds.
The phenomena allows them to feed on the hedge, say experts, and is nothing to be concerned about.
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According to the charity Butterfly Conservation's website, while the webs may look “sinister", they are common this time of year.
The webs often hide hundreds of caterpillars, known as "small ermine moths".
It said:
“These striking and obvious webs hide hundreds and sometimes tens of thousands of caterpillars of a group of moths called the Small Ermine moths.”
It added:
“These webs and caterpillars are harmless and usually last from May to June. The webs slowly disappear over the summer and typically the hedgerow shrubs/trees recover.
“The adult moths fly later in summer and all look superficially similar, being white or greyish with many small black dots, hence the ermine name.”
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