Insects and Spiders - native

Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) on Aug 8, 2018

Originally reported as Asian Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar asiatica)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Look like Gypsy Moth nests. Have attached pictures.

Commentary

Dear Dewayne, luckily this is not the invasive Gypsy moth, but a native moth, the western tent caterpillar. Gypsy moth caterpillar do not produce webbing, the caterpillars, however, do resemble each other. If you are interested in managing the tent caterpillar, cut the nest with the caterpillar down and dispose it off. Thank you for contacting our Invasive Species Hotline. Best regards, Helmuth Rogg, Oregon Department of Agriculture

Helmuth Rogg
Aug. 10, 2018, 1:21 p.m.