American White Moth (Caterpillar)

Widely distributed throughout North America and Mexico, found in deciduous forests, woodlands, parks, orchards, and urban gardens.

A generalist herbivore that feeds on foliage from over 600 species of trees and shrubs, notably including fruit trees, nut trees, and ornamental hardwoods.

Larvae are known for spinning large communal silk webs over the ends of tree branches to feed within protection. They go through multiple instars (growth stages), and their coloration can vary from pale yellow to dark gray with long, fine white or light-colored hairs. They pupate in cocoons hidden in leaf litter or under bark.

Generally considered a minor pest; while they can cause extensive defoliation, they rarely kill healthy, mature trees. However, they can be an aesthetic nuisance in landscaping. Their long hairs can cause irritation or mild allergic reactions if handled with bare skin.