These caterpillars are from the Brown Tail Moth....but please be aware these caterpillars are well-known for their urticating hairs; they cause extreme irritation if in contact with human skin so PLEASE LEAVE ALONE! They feed in a communal web on the leaves of hawthorn and blackthorn but at present can be found on almost anything at present, throughout Pagham Spit...there are literally thousands of them. Be careful and don't allow children to touch them...they are very tempted!
Not even the birds will eat them or go near them except for one species...the Cuckoo.
I suspect that is why we currently have two Cuckoos calling on the spit and around the Lagoon at present. They have a plentiful supply of food!
Please take care and advise children of the danger.
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