Weird caterpillar plague in the Neterlands

I saw this video about a caterpillar plague in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Also in Zoetermeer, like 20 kilometers from Rotterdam the same thing occurred. They do not know what precisely is causing this.

I post it because it looks very scary! I don't know people on here are familiar with it? Its not similar to the "procession" caterpillar btw.

The first video is in dutch language. Its mostly "smalltalk" from random people in the area. The images speak for them selves.
Link to movieclip

The second vid is from Zoetermeer.


Maybe people on here are as surprised as I when was looking at this.

Greetings lunica

It's the plague! Oh god!!!!!!!!

This happens every year at some places.

Somehow those caterpillars remind me of humans, they are making sure they are not an endangered species.

Here some good images.

Link to images

Hah! This thread should win an award for its title

From far away, all that white silk looks like snow, and is somewhat enchanting. Then you get closer and find that it's a web of sorts, built by millions of caterpillars. Not so enchanting anymore.

Oh well, maybe in a few months they'll have a butterfly plague instead

C'est la vie

Here is some extra info about the Oak Processionary Caterpillar, another species that causes troubles in the Netherlands.

This one is even poisonous, that was why I was surprised that biologist was handling them without gloves.

Link

Nasty species of moths.

[edit on 25-5-2009 by Grey Magic]

Hehe after digging a bit deeper I found the culprits.

It are Ermine moths.

Link

Edit to say; Case closed (for me)

[edit on 25-5-2009 by Grey Magic]