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FALL WEBWORM
Beginning nest of silk webbing made by FALL WEBWORM CATERPILLARS.
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| Other |
Tiger moth |
| Species |
Hypantria cunea |
| Common Hosts: |
Baldcypress Taxodium distichum
Black walnut Juglans nigra
Hickories Carya spp.
Pecan Carya illinoenis
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana
Sweet gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Other hardwoods |
Description |
Adult -- white head and body; front wings white and with or without black spots; wingspan approximately 30 mm.
Pupa -- size of adult; brown; enclosed in a thin, transparent cocoon.
Larva -- size variable, approximately 35 mm long when mature; black or deep orange head, yellow to green body with a black stripe on back and a yellow on each side; long white or brown hairs. |
Importance |
The fall webworm is commonly seen along road sides and in pecan groves. Rarely of importance except aesthetically, however, severe repeated defoliation will cause extreme stress. In combination with other stress factors, death may follow. |
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Adult moths emerge from the soil, mate and females lay eggs in white cottony mats on the undersurface of leaves. The larvae feed together within the silk nests spun around entire branches. Pupate in the soil or leaf litter. Overwinter as pupae. |
| Number of Generations |
3 or 4 generations per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Nest of silk webbing enclosing branches or an entire tree. Skeletonized leaves. Masses of long-haired caterpillars in the silk nests. |
Similar Damage |
EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR: silk nests in branch crotches. |
Control |
- Natural enemies (wasps, flys, beetles, birds) and unfavorable weather usually keep populations at low levels. Outbreaks do occur, but usually subside in 1 or 2 years. Prune nests from small branches and destroy caterpillars. Promotes tree vigor and health to aid in the recovery from defoliation. Use of approved insecticide for high-value trees.
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Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
