Fall Webworm
Hyphantria cunea
Description
Caterpillar variably colored, with long whitish to light brown hairs; grows to 1". In late summer makes large gray web; conspicuous in fall.Similar Species
The Fall Webworm Moth is very similar to the Virginian Tiger Moth but much smaller.
Life Cycle
Eggs laid in groups of 400-500 on underside of host plant leaves. Host plants many broadleaf trees, including cherries, hickories, oaks, willows, Sweetgum, and many others. Preferences are seasonal and regional.Flight
1-4 broods, depending upon latitude; with one in much of the North, 2 in Kansas, and 2-4 in Texas. March to August.Habitat
Broadleaf and mixed woods.Range
Canada to Mexico.Discussion
Since the caterpillars of this species, through much of its range, feed on trees mainly in the late summer and fall when leaves are of less importance to the trees themselves, the Fall Webworm is not considered a major pest in the forestry industry. Caterpillar numbers are controlled in most outbreaks by many species of parasitic wasps and flies. Cuckoos are one of the few groups of birds that relish hairy caterpillars such
as those of this species.