Pine Webworm: Identifying Characteristics
Identifying the injury:
The most obvious sign of attack is the large mass of reddish-brown frass bound by silken webbing on pine stems and branches. Young needles on the tips of branches may be missing or damaged due to the larvae eating them.
Identifying the insect:
The larvae are light gray with dark tan stripes across the length of their 3/4" body. Adult moths have a 1" wingspan and are mostly gray with grayish-black forewings.
Susceptible trees:
The pine webworm can attack any southern pine but slash pine is the most commonly attacked species. Longleaf, shortleaf, and loblolly pines can also be preferred hosts. One and two year old seedlings are most susceptible.