infestation on my jerusalem artichokes

Any idea what these are?

Yes...Indian Runner fodder (or Muscovy, as some chickens don't seem to like the "spiny" caterpillars as many are poisonous)...there eggs may taste a little different...but I like variety in my eggs...

At first glance a mouth caterpillar...but would have to really see up close to know for sure...either way...food for something...

Regards,

j

We had that happen a few years ago...just on the j. artichokes. We thought they were 'army worms' that were invading our county pastures at the time but were never certain about the ID. I don't remember them eating anything else, and the j. artichokes were completely striped...the plants regrew leaves just in time for the passing deer to strip them again....

Look quite a bit like tent moth caterpillars, including the swarming behaviour. If they go back to a nest, that pretty much seals it. But I am not familiar with them going after anything but trees.