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Mimosa Webworm on Honeylocusts
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Watch for this damage on Honeylocust trees during summer
The first thing you will notice
are clusters of brown leaves near the branch tips of Honeylocusts
(Gleditsia triacanthos). The first generation lays eggs that
hatch in mid-June. A second generation appears in early August.
These photos were taken in Pennsylvania in mid-September, after leaf
damage had become extensive from both generations.
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| Brown leaves appear
near the branch tips in late summer. Severe infestations
will completely defoliate a tree. |
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Mimosa Webworm caterpillars have 5 white stripes
Larvae overwinter in cocoons in leaf
litter or under the bark of the tree. This means it's extra
important to clean-up fall leaves around the tree and dispose of
them elsewhere.
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| Mimosa Webworm
larvae spun webs around these Honeylocust leaves. The ½"
to 1" long caterpillars may be brown or gray, and have 5
white stripes running the length of the caterpillar. |
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SUMMARY
Plant resistant
varieties of honeylocust like 'Shademaster', 'Skyline' and
'Moraine.' Avoid 'Sunburst' honeylocust since it is very
susceptible to Mimosa Webworm. Dispose of fall leaves from your
Honeylocust
trees.
If necessary, Bt ('DiPel'
biological insecticide - bacillus thuringiensis) or chemical
controls should be applied in late June or August. Always read the
pesticide label and follow directions. Earlier sprays will be more
effective since extensive webbing can prevent sprays from reaching
the target. Repeat applications may be necessary.
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MORE
White birch
leafminers
Mimosa trees
Mimosa Webworm fact sheet |
