A historic tree-lined path in Cambridge UK has become shrouded in spectacular cobweb-like nests created by an infestation of ermine moth caterpillars (Yponomeuta evonymella).
Residents have called it the “avenue of ghosts” after the historic tree-lined path was transformed by caterpillars which have created the strange white web-like nests. The entire avenue of trees is now draped with the spectacular cobweb-like clusters. The silk webs surrounding the trunks and branches were the “combined effort of many, many caterpillars”, experts said. “They form a protective web over the tree on which they’re feeding to try and protect themselves from birds and parasitic wasps. The web sometimes covers hundreds of caterpillars and the damage to plants and trees can be severe, although they usually bounce back to health the following year.
