Small eggar larvae (Eriogaster laneestris) on a silken web on a Hawthorn (Crataegus) bush. The small eggar is a social insect. The larvae spend nearly their entire development in colonies of about 200 individuals. They form bright white webs, typically on Hawthorn or Blackthorn bushes. The distinctive caterpillar grows to 45 millimetres and is covered in hairs. It also has white, black and orange stripes running down either side of its body. The small eggar population has been in decline over the decades, primarily due to the gradual destruction of its favourite habitat, hedgerows. Photographed in June, in Dorset, UK.