GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

K · 03-06-2007, 10:57 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

writes
On Jun 3, 7:50 pm, "Emrys Davies" wrote:
wrote in message

oups.com...

Help , First off I know marginally less than Zero about gardening, so
be gentle!! I have a bush in the garden which grows against the side
of the house. Small green leaves and sort of yellowy / pale green
edges Leaves about the size of 'privet'?
It has become covered in cotton wool type cobwebs and loads of 1" long
dark grey caterpillars with 2 rows of black spots on them. I pair of
spots per body segment. Hope this is enough info.

Q...what are they and how can I get rid of them? I presume that they
are 'up to no good' ?

Many thanks

Can you identify your catterpillar from
thesehttp://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/plates.htm

Ashworths Rustic appears to be the best match....only ours have got
black heads. The body colour is very dark grey, the body diameter is
about 3mm length about 25-30mm.
Should I try toget a photo tomorrow?

Photograph the foodplant too. Caterpillars are very specific as to food
plant, and identifying the foodplant usually cuts down your
possibilities to fewer than half a dozen, before you even think about
what the caterpillar looks like. Post the pics on a site that allows
pictures, and post the url here.

As to whether you get rid of them, you have to consider which you value
more, this year's foliage or the moth or butterfly that they will
become. If it's a bush, I doubt they'll kill it - just make it look
sorry for itself this year.
--
Kay