Insects and Spiders - native

Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea) on Jul 27, 2023

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

It looks like Spongy Moth webbing to me. Last week an Oregon Department of Agriculture employee came and placed a Songy Moth receptacle on one of our Maple trees and a Japanese Beetle receptacle in our driveway strip.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! No, this isn't Spongy Moth, which does not make webs that cover leaves like this. These webs are made by a native moth, the Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea). Fall Webworm damage can be unsightly, but they rarely defoliate trees. I would not recommend any chemical treatments for these, as the caterpillars are protected by their webbing. Webs can be cut from the tree and destroyed.

Tom Valente
July 27, 2023, 8:51 a.m.

Remedy

Information on biology and management in Oregon from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry

Resources

Fall Webworm Moth information on iNaturalist

Location

We live in a semi-rural neighborhood and the webbing was found in our Crabapple tree. Our neighborhood is densely wooded with conifers, however our acre has more sun than shade.

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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