Species Insects & ArthropodsFall Webworm Moth

Fall Webworm Moth

Hyphantria cunea

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea)

The Fall Webworm Moth is a small, white moth (sometimes with brown spots) whose caterpillars build conspicuous, large silk webs enclosing the tips of tree branches in late summer. Despite their alarming appearance, infestations rarely kill trees. Introduced to Europe and Asia in the mid-20th century, it became a significant pest there. Adults are attracted strongly to lights and are common from summer through fall.

Habitat
Deciduous forests, orchards, parks, and suburban trees
Diet
Larvae: many tree species enclosed in communal webs. Adults: do not feed
How common
Common

Best time to see a Fall Webworm Moth

The best time to see a Fall Webworm Moth is June–September, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 48,509 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Fall Webworm Moth sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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