Back in June I posted this picture of a hedge covered in the webs of the Small Ermine Moth.
Under the protection of the webs the caterpillars strip every leaf off the plant to the point where it would seem impossible for the plant to survive. However, only 6 weeks later the hedge recovers! Here’s a picture I took today of the same piece of hedgerow. Sorry about the poor quality, it was taken using my mobile ‘phone as I didn’t have my camera with me.
True, I have walked all over Hampshire but not seen any this year.
Strangely enough, I didn’t see any affected hedges this year (not being on the 68 route). It would seem that the Test Valley area is a hot spot for these moths!
You must have too much time to spare on the 68 route !!!!!!! only joking, like the photos keep them coming