Caterpillars create 'ghostly shroud' of webs on trees

Trees covered in a ghostly shroud of webs have caught the eye of walkers in part of Leicestershire.

The silk-coated trees have been spotted near the Grand Union Canal between Sileby Mill and Cossington.

Some people have said they were concerned the trees were infected.

However experts from Leicestershire County Council said the trees were healthy and the webs were caused by a species of moth caterpillar.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I don’t walk this way very regularly but do every now and then as it is a beautiful walk along the Soar Navigation."

A spokesman for the county council’s tree team said: “It is quite natural and most likely caused by a species of ermine moth.

"It seems to have been a good year for them.

“It is not necessary to take any action. It is a natural occurrence which for various reasons is more noticeable in certain years.”

A spokesperson for the Butterfly Conservation charity said: “At this time of year we often receive reports of ghostly, silken webbing covering sections of hedgerows and, on occasions, individual trees.

"Although it can look rather sinister, don’t be alarmed. The most likely culprit is a harmless caterpillar.”

The charity's website said the webs and caterpillars were harmless and usually last from May to June.

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