Juniper Webworm – Dichomeris marginella

Juniper Webworm – Dichomeris marginella Common Name: Juniper Webworm Latin Name: Dichomeris marginella Appearance: The Juniper Webworm is a small moth with a wingspan of about 1 cm. The forewings are light brown with dark brown markings, and the hindwings are pale grayish-brown.

• Egg:The Juniper Webworm lays its eggs on the leaves of juniper bushes.
• Pupae:The Juniper Webworm pupa is formed inside a silken cocoon.
• Larva:The Juniper Webworm larvae are caterpillar-like and are responsible for causing damage to the juniper plants. They are light green and have dark heads. They spin webs around the juniper foliage, causing it to turn brown and die.
• Adults:The adult Juniper Webworm is short-lived and does not feed. Its primary purpose is to mate and lay eggs.

Host plants: The Juniper Webworm feeds on various juniper species, including Eastern Redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, and Creeping Juniper, Juniperus horizontalis. Territory: The Juniper Webworm is found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Damages caused by Juniper Webworm:  The Juniper Webworm causes damage to juniper plants by feeding on the foliage and spinning webs around it. Infestations can cause the juniper to turn brown and die. Life history and Habits: The Juniper Webworm has two generations per year. Adults emerge in the spring and deposit eggs on juniper plant leaves. The larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on the vegetation while spinning webs around it. The larvae then pupate and emerge as adults, starting the life cycle over again. Control measures include pruning infested branches, using insecticidal soaps, or introducing natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps.