Any ideas on what this may be

[Christian Smith]

Hi I've been asked to identify this, I take it as being the cocoon stage (and hatched stage in 2nd pic) of an insect and can't go beyond that. Found on a sycamore stem at waist height, northern aspect. Tree located in SW London. Other notes it looks as though until very recently there was ivy up the stem which would have provided cover. Good luck! 

[Paul in the woods]

I would have said it looks more like a cluster of eggs, hatched in the 2nd pic.

 

A quick google shows gypsy moths ( Lymantria dispar ) egg sacks as looking very similar but I thought it was rare in the uk. Looking at the RHS it is found in London.

Edited February 12, 2020 by Paul in the woods

[Michael h]

i came to the same ID when looking earlier. google images

It is a formerly extinct species in the UK, which has reestablished from European migrants

Apparently a potentially significant pest and Forest Research have a reporting scheme.

the county moth recorder would also probably be interested about it

cheers

Mike