Fall Webworm

About the Insect
Often confused with the gypsy moth are the Fall Webworm and Tent Caterpillar. Fall Webworm is one of the more common late season caterpillars in the upper Midwest. It is well named with the large webs becoming evident as fall approaches. The caterpillars produce the webbing that encloses leaves, branches and sometimes entire trees.

This species is most common in the central U.S. where it feeds on walnuts, hickories, American elm and many other hardwood species. In the northern portions of the Great lakes region it is more commonly observed on fruit trees including wild cherries.