From what I understand caterpillars are the larvae form of butterflies. I don't think they are old enough to mate, but they are definitely swarming or something. Cool Pic.

OMGosh! Never seen it and hope I never will.(in my yard.) Our bugs in the North don't mate.....they just huddle to keep warm. (smiles!)

We had a coccoon with at least that many in one of our pecan trees, they will eat every leaf on the tree in a matter of days, we had to get rid of them.

They didn't look like that, they were white, but I have seen them swarm like that. You may want to check with your county extension agent to find out if they are harmful or good for your tree.

Thanks Peggy. They are on my pecan tree......so it's probably bad news!

Tootie,looks like bait:) Let's go fishin'!!

They are bad for the Pecan tree, as well as a number of other useful andornamental trees and shrubs you might have around. Consider them "Pests" with a capital P. Some people wait until they form a tent, then rip it open so the birds can eat them, but I've found the birds don't touch them - maybe they taste bad? My advice is to scrape them off in a metal bucket, pour charcoal lighter fluid on them and toast those evil little monsters.

Here is a link that might be useful: Evil Tent Caterpillars

ROTFL little dog!!! I agree ...torch those pests...don't want them eating your tree. I think that is the biggest grouping I have seen....eewwwwwwww

I like Kudzu's thought for your Caterpillar Convention.
LOL

Karen

EEEEEWWWWWW!!!! I live in Mass, and last year we had to endure that. It was so gross. Not a leave left on a tree. And you could hear them crunching. The house was covered, everything was covered, Didn't go out much till they were gone. We had gypsy moths.

Yes I have seen that alot, live in New Hampshire and we have those this time of year on every tree and shrub, when we see them, if they are in a web like cocoon we spray it with hairspray or gas and light it on fire and like you have there knock them on the grass and drown them in gas or something, I know its not safe or ecologically sound but it gets rid of them, I have tried soap detergent and ht water but some still live