(WJW) – Have you ever seen these massive webs?
Ohio wildlife experts often field questions — and maybe some concerns — this time of year about what’s spinning giant webs in trees.
No, these don’t belong to any giant spiders. (Thankfully!) Instead, the large webs are the work of tiny caterpillars known as fall webworms (Hyphantria cunea). Maybe even the work of a couple of generations of fall webworms.
According to a Moths of Ohio Field Guide, in August and September, these caterpillars are busy constructing the communal webs, often found at the end of tree branches, as protection from predators and parasites while they feast.
The nests can span 2 to 3 feet — or even bigger.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, fall webworms feed on more than 400 species of trees and shrubs, stripping the leaves as they go, but they typically don’t hurt the overall health of the tree.
Here’s what the tiny caterpillars look like:
While in their caterpillar stage, fall webworms can be up to an inch and a half in length and are generally pale yellow to gray with small dark spots and light-colored hairs. As adult moths, they are generally white with a wingspan of about an inch and a half, according to experts.
According to Oxford Academic, the fall webworm is native throughout the continental U.S. as well as southern Canada and northern Mexico.