garden

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.