What created this web structure?

Seattle area, about 30 feet up in a tree. A few small dark flying insects were buzzing around it but I couldn’t see them clearly.

31 points · 6 comments · view on lemmy.world

6 Comments

MxRemy@lemmy.one · 11 pts · 3y (4 replies)

I would guess it's a Hyphantria cunea nest, Fall Webworm. They're harmless, neat things

ken_cleanairsystems@lemmy.sdf.org · 10 pts · 3y

They’re harmless, neat things

Or, if you're an entomophobe, TREE HORROR.

HonkTonkWoman@lemm.ee · 3 pts · 3y (2 replies)

Is the Fall Webworm similar to Tent Moth Caterpillars?

Living in NC & we get tons of tent moth caterpillars every year.

They're adorably destructive lil foliage decimators.

MxRemy@lemmy.one · 5 pts · 3y (1 reply)

Yup, very similar! Although I'm pretty sure the idea that tent caterpillars are destructive is a myth? I read that they're very unlikely to cause any actual harm to the trees. I think it started just because humans consider the webs an eyesore?

HonkTonkWoman@lemm.ee · 4 pts · 3y

I think you’re right about the damage. They definitely make a mess out of the leaves, but the leaves grow back & the actual tree, bush, or plant seems fine.

SpunkyBarnes@geddit.social · 6 pts · 3y

They hit hackberries in my beck of the woods, worst part is the worm poo. Little black pellets, smaller’n a pinhead, piles up everywhere.