Insects and Spiders - native

Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea) on Aug 14, 2023

Originally reported as Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

we have mulitpal sponge moth nests and the numbers are growing saw 2 a week and a half go now there are 6

Commentary

Thank you for your report! I'm guessing that you are seeing the webs of Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea), a very common native caterpillar, not Spongy Moth, which does not spin webs that cover the leaves. Fall Webworm webs are unsightly, but the caterpillars do not usually defoliate trees.

Tom Valente
Aug. 15, 2023, 1:36 a.m.