Strange cotton cotton brushes on trees: a natural phenomenon in Franconia!

The spinning stems that create the caterpillars serve as protection against predators. These caterpillars feed on the freshly extended foliage of the plants. It is important to emphasize that the caterpillars are harmless to humans, even with direct contact. After the balure, the wood generally recovers completely. They pupate in May or June and later allow the plant to drive out again.

protective measures and natural enemies

In order to get the clipping moth under control, caterpillars can be collected manually from April or removed with a water hose. A return or care cut in winter is also recommended by experts to reduce the infestation the following year. The district has decided not to apply chemical control methods because they are environmentally harmful and could also endanger the natural enemies of the spinning moth. It is believed that the chemical club is ineffective and harmful to the ecosystem.

The Pfaffenhütchen-Gumpinstmotte (OWOTENUTA CAGNAGELLA) has a wingspan of 18 to 24 mm. Your eggs are stored in groups of 50 to 100 on branches. The caterpillars are sociable and live in webs that make them conspicuous. While eating, you can often scroll entire bushes. This year there is an increased occurrence of these caterpillars, which is due to the favorable weather conditions, such as the mild winter and the dry and warm spring.

climate change and new pests

The phenomenon of the spins moth not only affects the beauty of nature, but could also bring challenges for agriculture. In various regions worldwide, new pests have appeared that are favored by climate change. One example is the autumn army worm, which causes considerable harvest losses in Africa. Every year he and other insects in Africa destroy tons of food, which has dramatic consequences for the population there.

scientists are increasingly developing biological methods to combat these pests. The insect researcher Sevgan Subramanian observes how parasitoids attack the eggs of pests. These sustainable methods are necessary to protect the natural enemies of the pests and minimize crop losses. Biological means could also gain in importance when dealing with the web moths.

Overall, the phenomenon of the spinning moths in the Bamberg district shows that it is important to find the balance between nature conservation, agriculture and the fight against pests. The coming months will be decisive for the ecosystem, but also for the affected farmers from the region.