Hyphantria cunea

Hyphantria cunea

Short pest overview:

This pest is a moth in the family Erebidae known principally for its larval stage, which creates the characteristic webbed nests on the tree limbs of a wide variety of hardwoods in the late summer and fall. Hyphantria cunea feeds on just about any type of deciduous tree, where leaves are chewed; branches or the entire tree may become defoliated.


Geographic Distribution:

This whitefly thrives worldwide in Tropical, Subtropical, and less predominately in Temperate habitats.


Life Cycle:

Mass flight lasts for 7-10 days at average temperatures above 18°C, and activity is greatest at 20°C - 28°C (from 25 days to sometimes up to 70 days). Flight ceases at temperatures of 15°C and below. Females each lay 293-1892 eggs, mostly during 1-2 days, on the lower surface of the leaves on the upper and outer parts of trees.