Garden Webworm – Achyra rantalis

Garden Webworm (Achyra rantalis) Common Name: Garden Webworm Latin Name: Achyra rentals Appearance: Garden webworms are small, yellowish-brown moths with a wingspan of about 1 inch. They have a characteristic zigzag pattern on their wings and are active at night. Host Plants: Garden webworms attack a wide range of plants, including vegetables, ornamental flowers, shrubs, and trees. Their favourite host plants include beans, corn, tomatoes, roses, and apple trees. Territory: Garden webworms are widely distributed in many countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are found in gardens, agricultural fields, and other areas where plants are grown. Damages Caused by Garden Webworm: Garden Webworms cause defoliation and decrease plant development and production by feeding on the leaves and flowers of their host plants. They also spin silken webs over the damaged areas, making the plants unappealing and reducing their ornamental value. Life History and Habitat: Garden webworms have one generation per year and spend the winter in cocoons in the soil or bark crevices. They emerge in the spring and mate, laying their eggs on the underside of leaves. The larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves, spinning silk webbing to protect themselves from predators. The larvae pupate in cocoons and emerge as adult moths in the summer. Garden webworms prefer warm, humid areas with plenty of food sources, such as vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings.