In article , "ned"
wrote:

This reminds me very much of the Nettle-tap moth caterpillar which
feeds on new nettle growth.
It is not the same but very similar - both the web cocoon, the
deformed growth tip and the shape and size of the caterpillar.
Try googling for something along the lines of 'mint moth' and see what
that brings up.

Aha... I think you've cracked it, ned. It didn't occur to me to
concentrate on moths, but that Nettle Tap caterpillar is very similar. A
Google search on "mint moth" brought up a picture of the adult moth,
which instantly reminded me of something. A quick browse through some
macro shots I'd taken of plants and insects last summer, and sure
enough... a close-up of the (then unidentified) culprit sitting on the
jasmine bush.

Many thanks!


Adrian