What is this "worm" that is spreading from tree to tree? A few years ago these worms could be seen raining from trees along the road way, now they have invaded the gardens.
In the garden the worm has been found to feed on leaves and flowers, the same flowers that bees have also been seen feeding on. While feeding on leaves, they have also been seen hanging down; as though "fishing"? Many bees are being found dead in the gardens; are the bees infected?
What effect are these worms having on the surrounding wildlife? The worms clearly cause a lot of damage to the leaves that they infest; but what about the animal life that might feed on them, or on their byproducts
The worm is about one centremeter long, resembles a caterpillar, and takes the colour of the material that it is feeding on. It spreads by falling from the tree on a silken thread, in the process of which it can be blown by the wind; as spiders do. Having found a suitable tree they climb into it, ready for the next year.
Further information welcome: what are they, how far have they spread, what damage do they cause, how can they be defeated?
