An abundance of tiny caterpillars

[mogs]

When I take my dog for a walk I get covered in tiny green caterpillars, they seem to be hanging from trees in what looks like a line of a spiders web. When I return from the outdoors, i have to comb through my hair and inspect my clothes. They're coming in with any washing that has been hanging outside, is it just me or are others noticing these.

I would say they are tiny like the cabbage caterpillars.

Will it stop soon please, I'm finding it quite annoying.

[woolybanana]

I reckon you live in is the infamous and historical area known as Caterpillogne, reported in French historical documents going back hundreds of years!

Remember that it was known as the Dogdogne until the drains were repaired 100 years ago.

[andyh4]

http://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/wordpress/2010/05/hanging-caterpillars/

probably gives some clues Mogs - albeit that the site describes a UK walk.

[ventodue]

Yep, as Andy's post:  the most likely candidate is Winter Moth.

Other candidates include certain species of sawfly and also other moths, such as Oak Tortrix Moth.  Have a look at the species of tree they're dangling from - that might help identify them.

Craig

[mogs]

It sounds and looks (from the link) that is what they are, but doesn't say how long they're around.

Hopefully not too long

Craig - majority of the trees on my walks around here are oak

[ventodue]

Hi Mogs,

I see that oaks are (one of the many) larval food plants for Winter Moth, so Winter Moth they probably are.

You'll have to a take a photo the next time you get infested :-).  Do they look like this ?  Dunno how long they'll 'hang around' for ...

http://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/images/pests/winter-moth/caterpillar.jpg

Craig