Homadaula anisocentra

Mimosa Webworm nests are causing honeylocusts to appear burnt orange in central Ohio. Honeylocust is considered an alternate host of this non-native moth in much of the U.S.; however, it’s the primary host in Ohio where mimosa trees (a.k.a. silk trees) are somewhat rare.

The nests of first-generation Mimosa Webworm (Homadaula anisocentra, family Galacticidae) are now becoming evident on honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) in southwest Ohio. Honeylocust is considered the alternate host of this non-native moth in much of the U.S. However, it’s the primary host in Ohio where mimosa trees (a.k.a. silk trees) (Albizia julibrissin) are rare.

Mimosa Webworms (Homadaula anisocentra, family Galacticidae) have been slowly developing their telltale webbed nests since late spring. However, damage by the caterpillars of this non-native moth is just now becoming evident on honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) which is the webworm’s alternate host in the U.S.

I reported on mimosa webworm (Homadaula anisocentra, family Galacticidae) in early August. However, that was before the moth caterpillars started dropping from trees to spoil outdoor activities.

Damage by non-native Mimosa Webworms (Homadaula anisocentra, family Galacticidae) was a topic of discussion during this week's BYGLive! Zoom Inservice. Despite their common name, mimosa webworms are most often found in Ohio on honeylocusts (Gleditsia triacanthos).

Damage by non-native Mimosa Webworms was a topic of discussion during today's BYGLive! Zoom Inservice. Curtis Young reported high localized populations in northwest Ohio and we both saw flaming honeylocusts last week in Knoxville, TN, as well as along I-75 in Kentucky as we each made our way back from the ISA International Conference.