Spindle Ermine

This larvae hung from the bush by a long thread and swayed in front of my nose. It was astonishingly quick to climb upwards again (to my finger).
I find it funny how she crumples the thread up again.
I learned that it is a spindle ermine. (Pfaffenhütchen-Gespinstmotte).
Most sources told that they are a pest, and yes, neighter their silk in the spindel is very attractive, nor are their larvae, who are abseiling down ;-)
Useless facts:
The spindel is toxic, but obviously not the fresh leaves for the spindle ermine. A spindle will always survive, even if it is eaten bald. The larvae are a great protein rearing feed for birds and later the nocturnal moths are great  for bats. So it is very useful "pest"
You can even blip it :-D

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.