Fall Webworm: Identifying Characteristics
Identifying the injury:
The major evidence of attack is the large silken web built by the larvae. These webs are located at the end of branches. The leaves within the webs will have been eaten by the caterpillars and will have a skeletonized appearance.
Identifying the insect:
The adult fall webworm is a nocturnal moth. The wings are bright white (usually with dark spots) and the wingspan is 3 to 4 cm. The body is hairy and the bases of the front legs are orange or bright yellow.
The size in the larval "webworm" stage is variable, but the caterpillars are approximately 35 mm long when mature. Depending on the variety, the head can be black or deep orange to red. The body color can be yellow, green, gray, brown, or black, usually with a black stripe on the back and a yellow stripe on each side. The body is covered with long white or brown silky hairs. Many caterpillars can be found living together in the tent.
Susceptible trees:
Fall webworm can feed on many species of hardwood trees, but in Florida this insect seems to prefer persimmons, hickories, sweetgums, and pecans.