Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea) on Aug 1, 2023

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

several branches in the tree appear to be covered in spiderwebs. There are 2 trees in the detention pond that each have several branches covered in these webs. After some research we believe that it could be a Western Tent caterpillar nest or a Gypsy Moth caterpillar.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! These are the webs of Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea). It is a native moth and sometimes abundant. Although the webs are unsightly, the caterpillars rarely defoliate trees. In the location you describe, no control is necessary.

Tom Valente
Aug. 1, 2023, 5:41 a.m.