Caterpillar Webs Appear in Exeter's Belle Isle Park
Thick white webs created by caterpillars have been observed covering fences and trees in Belle Isle Park, Exeter. The local authority has reassured the public that these webs are "harmless" and should not cause concern.
The white webbing is caused by an infestation of caterpillars, most likely ermine moth caterpillars, according to Butterfly Conservation. These caterpillars feed inside the webs and are described as "the definition of a hungry caterpillar."
"They can sometimes completely strip the bush or tree of its leaves but it's nothing to worry about," a spokesperson said. "While it can look alarming, the plant usually suffers no permanent damage. The webs are there to protect the caterpillars from predators."
The spokesperson noted that while it is common to see such webs at this time of year, it is quite unusual to see them covering metal gates.
Official Statements on the Webbing
Exeter City Council stated:
"The webbing and the caterpillars are harmless and pose no risk to the public.
Whilst visually striking, most healthy trees typically recover from the infestation and the caterpillars are controlled naturally, many eaten by predators such as birds."
Insights from Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
Ellie Knot from the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre explained that there are eight species of ermine moth, making it difficult to identify if the caterpillars are spindle ermine. She added that orchard ermine and bird-cherry ermine caterpillars also produce webs.
"It's quite common to see them at this time of year. They're harmless, though the webs can get quite extensive and even cover nearby objects such as fences or benches," she said.
She further explained the purpose of the webs:
"These caterpillars create webs as a defence strategy, they live in large groups, so they have safety in numbers.
But large numbers are hard to hide, which is why they produce the silken webbing."
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