Cocoon

Back on 1st June, I blipped a rather pretty caterpillar.  At the time, we said we would live and let live, but keep an eye on the acer.  

I'm afraid we rather took our eyes off the ball, because a couple of days ago, we suddenly realised that the acer was almost completely denuded, and crawling with caterpillars.

They're very pretty, but I'm afraid they will have to go.  There are a number of cocoons, most of which look empty, so presumably already matured and the female has laid her eggs.  Hopefully, the acer will survive to flourish next year, but the eggs will hatch and more caterpillars could be the last straw.