Fall Webworm has Arrived
By now everyone has noticed the webs on the ends of the branches of many of our roadside trees, especially on the black walnuts. To me, the appearance of the fall webworm signals the approach of the end of summer and the start of school. The creatures that create these webs are the larvae (caterpillar stage) of one of our native moths. We probably wouldn’t notice them very much if they didn’t create a protective webbing around them as they eat. Unlike the tent caterpillar which feeds in the spring and builds its webbing in branch crotches, the fall webworm’s feeding is usually confined to the ends of the branches. Because this insect feeds late in the season after the tree has stored its energy, it will not damage the tree and there is no need for control. It also has many natural enemies to keep it from getting out of hand.
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