Insects and Spiders - native

Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) on Aug 25, 2018

Originally reported as Asian Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar asiatica)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Cobweb like nest in my ash tree. It’s been there for a couple months and seems to be growing.

Commentary

Thank you for your report but luckily this is a native western tent caterpilar moth and not an Asian or European Gypsy moth. Gypsy moths do not produce webbing as do some of our native moths. If you want to control the tent caterpillars, remove the webbing with the caterpillars inside and dispose them off. No need to treat with any insecticides.
Thank you, Helmuth Rogg, Oregon Department of Agriculture

Helmuth Rogg
Aug. 27, 2018, 1:09 a.m.