Small (Spindle) Ermine Moth

On my walk this morning I noticed a section of hedgerow that was covered in what appeared to be densely woven cob webs.

But not spiders, they are the webs of the Small Ermine Spindle Moth.
 
A whole section of hedge has been consumed by the webs, and they contain the caterpillars of many thousands, maybe tens of thousands of the tiny caterpillars.

My research tells me they are harmless, and although a great deal of damage is done to the hedge when they feed off the leaves, the hedge should recover once the growth period is finished.

Isn't nature wonderful?

I was completely fascinated, having never seen this before.. I shot a few short videos to see the movement within the webs, which I may put on YouTube if I get time.


A very interesting encounter, every day a school day!