On April 16th, reports emerged from Fujian that a massive spider web had seemingly materialized overnight, capturing the attention of locals. Subsequent investigation, however, revealed a surprising twist: the web was not spun by spiders, but was instead the work of countless caterpillars.
A video shared by a Fujian resident depicted the unsettling scene of a vast, white web stretching across the landscape, seemingly suspended in mid-air atop nearby hills. The sheer scale of the web surpassed what one would typically associate with spider activity, prompting initial confusion and concern among observers.
After the video was posted, it sparked strong interest among netizens. Some insisted on reporting to the forestry bureau, suspecting the presence of an invasive species, likely the Australian giant spider. They urged for immediate intervention. This comment garnered numerous likes and replies, with many echoing the sentiment.
Amidst thousands of comments, a few individuals countered, suggesting that not all web weavers are spiders; some insects also weave webs. They felt the structure didn't resemble a spider's web and recommended a closer observation.
It's unclear if the uploader heeded this advice, but they eventually returned for another close-up video. They exclaimed, "It's not spiders, it's all caterpillars—terrifying!"
The situation is clear: the so-called spiders don't actually exist; rather, it's webs spun by caterpillars. Informed netizens have identified these creatures as the "tent caterpillars."
Information indicates that tent caterpillars belong to the moth family Lasiocampidae, in the order Lepidoptera. They affect the normal growth and development of fruit trees, leading to reduced yields, making them significant pests in sericulture, fruit tree cultivation, and forestry. Timely control measures are necessary to mitigate their harm.
