While scouting for my first Bugging Out insect walk at Green-Wood Cemetery this year yesterday, I tried to photograph these tiny encased caterpillars dangling from silk lines from a Japanese Larch. When I brought the group by, there weren’t as many visible, and a couple of the attendees spotted them before me. They’re about 5-6mm long.
It looks like this a caterpillar of the Larch Case-bearing Moth, Coleophora laricella. The larvae clip off the ends of larch needles, burrow into them, and use them as protective cases. Perhaps they get wind-tossed out of the branches and work their way back up on their safety silk line, or else they’re repelling down?
Backyard and Beyond 
Good photo!
Does iNaturalist suggest anything?
When in doubt check with Tom Murray…
Are you in contact with him?
It’s at Research Grade on iNat…
Advice is worth what you pay for it… lol!
I’d prefer if iNat’s model required three confirmations before declaring the lofty “research grade”.
Perhaps a mid-grade of “In Progress”?
Some of my observations have been corrected after several rounds… try posting any Spiranthes and you’ll see what I mean.
Contact Tom Murray at bugguide.net. He’ll be your catalyst for either a good discussion or an ID.