Extension Publications
Extension Publications

Fall Webworms

Fall Webworms

FOR-174: Fall Webworms

Authored by: Ellen Crocker Jonathan Larson

Click the Download button below to download this publication (FOR-174).

Download Publication

Abstract

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.

Core Details

Publication ID

FOR-174

Status

New

Publication Date

Oct. 31, 2023

Series

Multi-Part Series

N/A


Categorical Details

Language

English

Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Contact Information

Tawana Brown
Associate Director, Educational Publications

361 Blazer Dining 343 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Lexington, KY 40526-0012

+1 (859) 257-7566

tawana.brown@uky.edu