The province of Drenthe is crawling with green caterpillars. RTV Drenthe reports that the green caterpillars, which turn into winter moths, can be spotted across the province hanging from silky strands attached to deciduous trees, such as oak.
By Marieke Bos / Translation by Traci White
According to Joop Verburg, chairperson of the Natuurverening (Conservation Association) in Zuidwolde, the explosive growth in the number of caterpillars is due to the heatwave last week. Warm temperatures cause the eggs of the small winter moths to hatch.
The tiny caterpillars are an important food source for birds, who are also breeding right now. After the caterpillars pupate and enter the chrysalis stage, they will emerge as winter moths in November through December.
Photo source: The Bugwood Network
