Compiled from Guide to Insect Pests of Woody Plants http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/treepestguide/treeintro.html By: Lee Townsend and Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Department of Entomology

The Leaf crumpler larva is around an inch long, with a green-grey color with purple markings at each segment. The adult is a small moth with brown and white stripes along its wings. The caterpillars build web tubes on twigs which incorporate leaf fragments as they feed. The tube can be 1.5-2 inches long by the time the caterpillar is mature. Damage and nests are at their peak in July and August. Photo © 2018 John van der Linden, bugguide.net, used with permission Fall webworms are small hairy white caterpillars that live communally in thin silken webs at the ends of branches. They may leave the tent to feed individually as they get larger. While the webbing is unsightly, feeding damage is usually limited to limbs around the tent. Large established trees are not seriously affected by small to moderate infestations. The larval stage feeds for 4 to 8 weeks and may be found on a variety of hardwoods. The first generation occurs in late May and early June, the second generation is usually larger and active from July through September. Photo by Milan Zubrik, Forest Research Institute - Slovakia, Bugwood.org

Fall webworms are small hairy white caterpillars that live communally in thin silken webs at the ends of branches. They may leave the tent to feed individually as they get larger. While the webbing is unsightly, feeding damage is usually limited to limbs around the tent. Large established trees are not seriously affected by small to moderate infestations. The larval stage feeds for 4 to 8 weeks and may be found on a variety of hardwoods. The first generation occurs in late May and early June, the second generation is usually larger and active from July through September. Photo by Milan Zubrik, Forest Research Institute - Slovakia, Bugwood.org

of eggs are laid on leaves in June so there can be groups of caterpillars on a tree. They feed mainly during June and July and can defoliate small to medium-sized trees. Two or more years of heavy foliage loss can severely stress or kill trees. Mature larvae drop to the ground and wander in search of a place to pupate and transform to the adult or moth stage. There can be two generations during a season. These insects will feed on black walnut, Persian walnut, butternut, hickory, and pecan. Photo: Ward Upham, Kansas State University, Bugwood.org The caterpillar stage of the Hickory tussock moth feeds from July to September. Similar to other tussock moths, the hickory tussock has a hairy appearance and is black and white in color. They begin by feeding in groups before moving apart to find leaves. This caterpillar does pose a "stinging" hazard as contact with the hairs may induce a rash on susceptible people. Photo: John Ghent, Bugwood.org

The caterpillar stage of the Hickory tussock moth feeds from July to September. Similar to other tussock moths, the hickory tussock has a hairy appearance and is black and white in color. They begin by feeding in groups before moving apart to find leaves. This caterpillar does pose a "stinging" hazard as contact with the hairs may induce a rash on susceptible people. Photo: John Ghent, Bugwood.org