Pod.....I sure don't think you are meddling! I just seem to be hitting dead ends on this. To me they look just like the nasty webworms that fall out of the trees and onto my shirt or hair every fall! The only thing different is the web, or lack of it. (I couldn't access the link you sent). I sent the photos to our local Extension ofc. I hope they can tell us how to control them next year.
Porkpal, I didn't know that fact about grasshoppers. One more reason not to like 'em! As for "a rough year for webworms," just wait till next year!
