Hyphantria cunea

Author: Eric Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Holometabola
Order	Lepidoptera
Superfamily	Noctuoidea
Family	Erebidae
Subfamily	Arctiinae
Tribe	Spilosomini
Genus	Hyphantria

Scientific Name

Hyphantria cunea

Common Name

fall webworm

Distribution and Hosts

Native to North America, the fall webworm occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada. Its hosts include more than 100 species of deciduous forest, shade, and fruit trees, with preferences varying from region to region.

Description of Damage

Newly emerged larvae immediately begin to spin a silken web over foliage on the terminal portions of the branches. The larvae feed on the leaves within the webs. As the larvae grow, webs enlarge and enclose more foliage. Large portions of tree branches are commonly enclosed by such webs, and are most apparent from mid- to late-summer. Early stage larvae feed on the upper surfaces of the leaves, and late instar larvae eat entire leaves except for larger veins and midribs. The insect is considered an ornamental pest due to the unsightliness of the webs; however, it is ordinarily of no great importance as a forest pest.

Identification

Eggs are small, yellow or light green, and usually located in hair-covered masses on the underside of leaves. Mature larvae are 25-31 mm long and covered with silky hairs. Their color varies from pale yellow to green, with a black stripe on the back and a yellow stripe on each side. Head color varies from red to black. Pupation occurs in thin cocoons usually spun in the duff or just beneath the surface of the soil. The adult moth has a wingspan of 25-31 mm and is snowy white, usually with dark spots on the wings.

Life History

From May to July, adult moths lay their eggs. Eggs hatch within two weeks and the larvae immediately begin feeding and constructing webs. Larvae feed and webs continue to enlarge for four to eight weeks. There are at least two generations per year in the South.

Control

More than 50 species of insect parasitoids and 36 species of predators of the fall webworm are known in the U.S., yet they are not commercially available. On small trees, nests can be cut out and destroyed. Soap or other insecticides may be applied from mid- to late- summer. Consult the Pest Management Guide for Horticultural and Forest Crops, Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 456-017.

Further Reading

• Anonymous. 1989. Insects and Diseases of Trees in the South. U.S.D.A. Forest Service Protection Report R8-PR16.
• Drooz, A.T. 1985. Insects of Eastern Forests. U.S.D.A. Forest Service Miscellaneous Publication No. 1426. 605 pp.
• Johnson, W.T. and H.H. Lyon. 1991. Insects that Feed on Trees and Shrubs. Cornell Univ. Press. N.Y. 560 pp.

External links

Day, E. Fall Webworm. Publication 444-246, August 1996.

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.

Biology

The moths emerge in the spring. After mating, females lay eggs in masses (400 to 500) on the undersides of host leaves. The eggs hatch in approximately 2 weeks, and the larvae immediately begin to feed and construct webs. They enlarge the web as they continue to feed for 4 to 8 weeks. Then they spin a pupal cocoon in a sheltered place or in the duff or soil. There are at least two generations per year in the South.

Control

Biotic agents, and unfavorable weather take their toll of these insects. Occasionally, chemical control may be necessary.

Gallery

References

Insects and Diseases of Trees in the South. 1989. USDA Forest Service - Forest Health Protection. R8-PR16. 98 pp. Taken from http://fhpr8.srs.fs.fed.us/forstpst.html