Shed Wildlife 1st April

Pictured are the larvae of the brown-tailed moth. There's several colonies on the Land of Hope and Dreams. They look like spider-web nurseries, but they are actually “ … a silken tent”. Some will be pleased to know they eat the young leaves of brambles, amongst others.

The hairs on the larvae can cause irritation to the skin, about the same strength as a stinging nettle, and on rare instances can cause severe skin reaction and rash. So best not to give them a friendly stroke.

No need to destroy them either. “Ultimately, it's important to remember they're a native species and are purely one of a great number with a toxic defence mechanism.” James Duncan (Sussex Wildlife Trust)

Other wild-life noted today, during a pleasant afternoon painting the uprights for a fence, were:

Dunnock

Long-tailed tits

Sparrows

Green alkanet

Red ants