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Importance - The fall webworm is not considered an important forest pest. However, ugly webs can seriously detract from aesthetic values. The preferred hosts in the South are persimmon, pecan, and sourwood.
Identifying the Insect - The adult moth has a wingspan of 1 (25 mm) to 1 1/4(31 mm) inches and is snowy white, usually with dark spots on the wings. The larvae are 1 (25 mm) to 1 1/4 (31 mm) inches long and covered with silky hairs. The color varies from pale yellow to green, with a black stripe on the back and a yellow stripe on each side.
The pupae are found inside a gray cocoon constructed of silk, frass, and debris. The eggs are small, yellow, or light green, and turn gray before hatching.
Identifying the Injury - Usually the first signs of attack are the large, silken web and skeletonized leaves. The silken web usually contains large numbers of caterpillars.
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Larva.
Photo by Keith Douce, UGA |
