What is this thing?

[Dmitri]

And should it be destroyed? It looks like it might be a caterpillar nest, but I've never seen anything like this and frankly it creeps me out. It's right in my backyard, mocking me with it's strange existence The photos don't do it justice, it's actually kind of large -- about as long as my forearm.

Thanks. I'd like to destroy it but I don't want to throw off some eco-balance thing if it's important.

 

[Battou]

I would first find out what type of caterpillar are on it.


I prolly would not destroy it my self, I'd take the oppertunity to try getting some catermacros just cuz it's there, but that is just me.

 

[spiffybeth]

ive always wanted to see one of those up close. ive often seen them on trees lining highways.

 

[Dmitri]

@Battou - I don't have a macro lens so what you see is as close as I get to them

@Spiffybeth - I can mail it to you, but I don't think it will arrive the same way it departed.


And am I right, is it a caterpillar nest?

 

[spiffybeth]

id be happier to not receive that in the mail despite your generous offer.

 

[epp_b]

Take some good macro shots, and then...

 

[icassell]

Looks like the gypsy moth caterpillar tents we used to get in the northeast. Get rid of 'em! They destroy your trees.

 

[Dmitri]

Ahhh ok thanks iCassell and epp_b! I will destroy it first thing in the morning then. I'll even sing while doing it!

 

[icassell]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_caterpillar

tent caterpillar, not gypsy moth

 

[Phazan]

Take some good macro shots, and then...

YES! lmao greatest picture ever

 

[mentos_007]

it is scary and looks disgusting. I wouldn't touch it... I would shout out loudly for someone to get rid of it for me :/

 

[Dmitri]

It will be destroyed as soon as I finish my coffee

 

[Battou]

???


Zippo and spray paint?

No kids don't try that at home.

 

[Dmitri]

???
Zippo and spray paint?

actually I just cut it down and shoved it in the bottom of the garbage can, so now it waits to be picked up

 

[Battou]

actually I just cut it down and shoved it in the bottom of the garbage can, so now it waits to be picked up

It's more than I would have done. Had I decided to remove it I prolly would have cut it down and thrown in in the brush pile behind my garadge. I would actally like to see that eaten