FOR174 - Fall Webworms
FOR174 - Fall Webworms
Fall webworms are native tent caterpillars that can be found throughout the United States and southern Canada. This species is distinguished by its "tent" constructed at the ends of tree branches, allowing caterpillars to feed gregariously on enclosed foliage. While these insects can cause heavy defoliation, especially during periodic outbreaks, fall webworms by themselves do not cause mortality in healthy trees and are typically not a serious concern meriting management. However, other tent-forming caterpillars may be confused with fall webworm (such as the eastern tent caterpillar) and learning to distinguish these species can be useful for understanding potential impacts.
Authors:
Ellen Crocker - Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky
Jonathan Larson - Entomology, University of Kentucky
Hannah Hollowell - Tennessee Division of Forestry
Forest Health
