I think the larva extrudes a mess back and forth on twigs before making the cocoon to hold it in place on the bush. I think that's where they start.
(, Sat 11 May 2019, 1:15, Reply)
Cheers for that - I read that they use a brush on the wet cocoon to find the end, but on its own that doesn't give much detail. If there's going to be a thicker bit where it was joined to the twig I can see how it would work. I still find it incredible that you can pull the single thread off without it snagging or getting tangled.
(, Sat 11 May 2019, 9:14, Reply)