The adult appears throughout the spring as a satiny white moth, often marked with brown spots. Wing spread is 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches. They lay two to five hundred greenish eggs in masses which are often covered with a woolly layer of scales. The caterpillars are pale green or yellow with a dark stripe down the back and a yellow stripe along each side. The body is covered with long silky gray hairs. There are two broods in this area with the first feeding in early June. The second, and more destructive brood, appears from July through September. The caterpillars spin a layer of silk over the surface of a leaf as soon as they start feeding, eventually webbing together ends of several branches. As the caterpillar matures, it leaves the web to feed on other leaves and other plants before it spins a brown cocoon under trash on the ground or under bark.

Damage to trees is seldom severe enough to cause death even with complete defoliation as long as defoliation isn't repeated the next year. Damage to shrubs may cause death or loss of flower buds. Azaleas are quite susceptible to severe damage.

Control of feeding caterpillars may be achieved by use of a bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis which is sold under the brand names Dipel, Biotrol, or Thuricide. It must be eaten to work. Diazinon and Nales will also work when sprayed on the caterpillars. Coating the trunk of the tree with Sevin dust will also work on the caterpillars as they come out of the tree to spin cocoons. Follow label directions or call your local Extension Office. Use a strong stream of water to remove caterpillars from surfaces not suitable for spraying. Control may also be obtained by destroying webs by fire or pruning. Use caution with fire and read pesticide labels carefully.

DISCLAIMER: Recommendations for use of chemicals are included in this newsletter as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services does not imply endorsement by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical.

Revised 2/16/2006.